Interfaith Activism


Religious Persecution

Members of the Interfaith Network work on behalf of those persecuted for practising their beliefs. An example is the case of Ngawang Sangdrol, a Tibetan Buddhist nun.


The Case of Ngawang Sangdrol

Ngawang Sangdrol
A filephoto dated February 28, 2003 shows Ngawang Sangdrol in Tibet's capital Lhasa, after her release from Lhasa's Drapchi Prison, where she was paroled on October 18, 2002. (© AFP)
Ngawang Sangdrol, a Tibetan Buddhist nun, was just 15-years-old in 1992 when she was arrested and imprisoned for taking part in a peaceful pro-independence demonstration in the Tibetian capital of Lhasa. The Chinese authorities sentenced her to 3 years for "acts of disobedience" -- but her sentence was repeatedly extended, to a total of 21 years. She served nine before she was finally released on "good behavior parole" in 2002, following sustained international pressure.

Two AIUSA Local Groups, 489 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and 446 in Homer, Alaska, adopted Ngawang Sangdrol as a prisoner of conscience. Her case was also featured in AI's annual Holiday Card Action, the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) Campaign, and in a number of other forums. AIUSA 's Interfaith Network worked on behalf of Ngawang Sangdrol for many years.

Since her release, Ngawang Sangdrol has lobbied hard for the release of other nuns that remained imprisoned, including Phuntsog Nyidron who was released on February 27, 2004 after 17 years in prison.

PRESS RELEASE:
China: Tibet's longest-serving female prisoner of conscience finally released