I n the past three years people reportedly died as a result of torture in more than 80 countries. Torture or ill-treatment by state agents was reported in more than 150 countries and was widespread in more than 70. Palden Gyatso is a Tibetan monk who spent 33 years in Chinese prison and labour camps before fleeing. They used it all the time on my body. They tortured me because I was speaking out for independence and I will continue to speak out.
China is but one of the many countries in which torture continues with impunity.
A young Tibetan nun, Ngawang Sangdrol, embodies the enduring spirit of resistance to the Chinese government. Detained for the first time at the age of 13 for joining a pro-independence demonstration, she has now been sentenced to a total of 21 years imprisonment. In May 1998 Ngawang Sangdrol was already in poor health from frequent beatings and lengthy periods in isolation. Fellow prisoners continue to fear for her safety. In Tibet torture is a routine part of interrogation, used to secure information.