Tibetan Monk Takes Own Life in Protest Against Systematic Oppression at Tsang Monastery

Shersang Gyatso, the 52-year-old senior leader of Tsang Monastery who took his own life in protest

On 18 August 2025, Shersang Gyatso, a 52-year-old senior leader of Tsang Monastery in Qinghai, took his own life after months of intimidation and oppression by Chinese authorities. This tragic act of despair constitutes the latest evidence of China’s ruthless campaign against the Tibetan Buddhist community — a systematic assault that reached shocking new heights during the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on 6 July.

Escalation of Oppression Around the Dalai Lama’s Birthday

Chinese authorities transformed Tsang Monastery into a de facto prison from 1 July. Monks who were absent for medical care or family visits were forced to return. Zega Gyatso, a monk who was in Xining for treatment, was arrested on 2 July on fabricated charges of transferring money to India.

Tsang Monastery during summer, home to monks from three prefectures

The authorities systematically searched sleeping quarters and confiscated photos of the Dalai Lama. From 1 to 20 July, monks were forced to attend daily political indoctrination sessions — a flagrant violation of their fundamental right to religious freedom. When the monks returned on 9 August for their traditional summer retreat (Yarney), all monks under the age of 18 were no longer permitted to enter the monastery.

Large-Scale Expulsions Destroy Monastic Communities

These events fit within a broader pattern of cultural genocide. Chinese authorities have systematically expelled young monks from Tibetan monasteries:

• July 2024: 500 young monks expelled from Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery
• June 2024: 140 young monks forced into state boarding schools in Muge, Ngaba
• October 2021: 80 young monks removed from Jakyung and Ditsa monasteries
• February 2025: More than 1,000 monks and nuns expelled from Larung Gar, the largest centre for Buddhist education

Monks of Tsang Monastery during a public gathering, before the new restrictions were imposed

Draconian Measures During the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday

The Chinese state unleashed an unprecedented security campaign during the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. Households were forbidden from burning incense — a direct attack on centuries-old religious traditions. In Lhasa, soldiers patrolled Tibetan neighbourhoods 24 hours a day. Monasteries were not allowed to hold gatherings of more than five monks.

Approximately 200 Tibetans were interrogated about alleged connections to birthday celebrations. Multiple arrests followed, including that of monk Tsewang Dhonko for sharing symbolic images and singer A-Sang for performing a song in honour of the Dalai Lama.