18 Years of Silence — Now They Speak
Recently released Bhutanese political prisoners will share their stories in a virtual conversation.
After more than 18 years in prison, former Bhutanese political prisoners Mr Hasta Bahadur Rai and Mr Chatur Man Tamang will speak publicly about their experiences of imprisonment, their release and life after prison.
Rai and Tamang were arrested in February 2008 and held at Chamgang Central Prison until their release on 1 June 2026. According to Human Rights Watch, both men were sentenced to life imprisonment for treason following trials without defence lawyers. They also told Human Rights Watch that they were severely tortured while in army custody following their arrests.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) also examined their cases. In Opinion No. 11/2026, the Working Group found that their prolonged detention was arbitrary under international human rights law. The Working Group raised serious concerns about the circumstances of their arrest, detention and trial, including the absence of arrest warrants, their detention incommunicado in military custody, the lack of access to legal assistance and violations of their right to a fair trial. The Working Group also found that the violations were sufficiently serious to render their deprivation of liberty arbitrary. The Working Group called for an effective remedy, including appropriate reparation, and urged the Bhutanese authorities to take steps to address the violations identified in the opinion.
They were released after more than 18 years behind bars. Human Rights Watch reported that 28 other political prisoners remained in Bhutanese prisons following their release.
Their release also brought new difficulties. A report by The Kathmandu Post said the two men initially could not enter Nepal because they had not been given official documents confirming their release from prison. They had hoped to return to Beldangi Refugee Camp, where they had lived before their imprisonment.
The two men eventually returned to Beldangi with the support of local supporters, where they are now trying to rebuild their lives after nearly two decades in detention. In August, the Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB) handed over financial assistance to them at the refugee camp. Bhutan News Network reported on the assistance and their return to the community.
Their journey after release has therefore been very different from a simple return to normal life. After spending more than 18 years in prison, they now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives in a refugee camp, with limited resources and without being able to return to Bhutan.
Now, Rai and Tamang will have an opportunity to speak directly to the public about what they experienced during their years in prison, the circumstances surrounding their detention and release, and what happened to them after leaving prison.
GCRPPB is organising a virtual conversation titled “18 Years of Silence — Now They Speak” on 10 October 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST. The conversation will focus on their imprisonment, the circumstances of their release and the conditions endured by political prisoners in Bhutan. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly about their personal experiences.
Event details
Event: 18 Years of Silence — Now They Speak
Hosted by: Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB)
Date: 10 October 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM EST
Format: Virtual via Zoom
RSVP cutoff: 8 October 2026
To participate, scan the QR code on the event flyer or register through the GCRPPB registration form. Registered participants will receive the Zoom access link. It is a free of cost event.
For further information, contact gcrppb@gmail.com.