Jailed Tibetan Leader Khenpo Kartse in ‘Very Poor Health’

The health of the popular Tibetan religious leader Khenpo Kartse is failing under his detainment, Radio Free Asia reports.

Khenpo Kartse was jailed in December on suspicion of “anti-state'” activities. He is now being held in the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Changdu prefecture, where he has allegedly been denied the medical treatment he needs. He is also experiencing problems with his liver, lungs, back and has been coughing up blood, an anonymous source tells Radio Free Asia.

The religious leader’s lawyer has demanded his release on grounds of ill health and called on the Chinese authorities to allow medical treatment and showers.

Kartse, who is known for his work promoting Tibetan culture, is accused of harboring fugitive monks at his monastery.

[Radio Free Asia]