Chinese authorities have reportedly detained 48-year-old Tibetan monk Zega Gyatso of Tsang Monastery in Amdo, eastern Tibet, for allegedly sending money abroad, according to a report by Tibet Times. Nearly two months since his arrest, his condition and whereabouts remain unknown.
Gyatso was taken into custody around July 2 in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, where he had traveled to seek medical treatment. His detention coincided with the birthday celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Since then, he has been denied all contact with his family or acquaintances, while authorities have refused to disclose any information regarding his case.
Alleged Charges Rejected by Family
Officials have reportedly accused Gyatso of transferring funds to India. However, sources close to his family dismiss the allegations, saying the charge is a pretext for political suspicion. His relatives in exile believe the detention reflects Beijing’s long-standing efforts to criminalize any perceived connection between Tibetans inside Tibet and the exile community.
Years of Surveillance and Harassment
The Gyatso family has long been under heavy scrutiny. Since the 2008 arrest of his younger brother, Khedrub Gyatso, Chinese authorities have repeatedly harassed the household, subjecting them to midnight summons, interrogations about alleged foreign ties, and ongoing threats from security officers.
Profile of a Respected Teacher
Born in 1976 to Sonam Wangdu and Tashi, Zega Gyatso is the eldest of six siblings. He traveled to India in 2002 to pursue studies at Sera Je Monastery in South India but returned to Tibet the following year. He later enrolled at Ragya School and eventually joined Tsang Monastery. There, he became a respected teacher of Tibetan language and the five traditional sciences at the monastery’s Leksheling School, a position he held until his arrest.
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