Tibetan monk Sonam Gyatso has been released from Menyang Prison near Chengdu after completing a two-year sentence for “sending money for prayer offerings” to the Dalai Lama and the abbot of his monastery. Upon his return to Kirti Monastery, he was reported to be in poor health due to torture and maltreatment in prison. Gyatso’s sister, Tsering Lhamo, was released in April 2022 after serving a similar sentence. Another Kirti Monastery monk, Rachung Gendun, is still serving a 3.5-year sentence. Chinese authorities consider it illegal for Tibetans to contact other Tibetans living in exile and are particularly sensitive about any contact with the Dalai Lama.