– Bhutan’s Political Prisoners Suffer Illness and Death
- As of January 19,2026,dozens of men,primarily of Nepali-speaking origin,remain imprisoned in Bhutan following arrests around 1990 related to alleged support for protests.
- Currently,approximately 46 men are detained in two main prisons: Rabuna and Chemgang.
- The prisoners in Rabuna were initially arrested around 1990 following demonstrations advocating for the rights of the nepali-speaking community.
Bhutanese Political Prisoners & Detention Conditions
Table of Contents
As of January 19,2026,dozens of men,primarily of Nepali-speaking origin,remain imprisoned in Bhutan following arrests around 1990 related to alleged support for protests. Their cases highlight concerns about the country’s justice system and prison conditions.
Rabuna and Chemgang Prisons
Currently,approximately 46 men are detained in two main prisons: Rabuna and Chemgang. The majority have been serving life sentences for decades.Human Rights Watch reported in July 2024 that 46 men were held, with 25 in Rabuna and 21 in Chemgang.
The prisoners in Rabuna were initially arrested around 1990 following demonstrations advocating for the rights of the nepali-speaking community. Those in Chemgang are held in a special wing designated for individuals labeled as “anti-nationals.”
Prison Conditions & Healthcare
Prison conditions are reported to be dire, characterized by inadequate provisions. Prisoners receive limited food rations and insufficient clothing and bedding, particularly problematic given Bhutan’s cold climate. Human Rights Watch documented that prisoners are generally in poor health, with some suffering from severe illnesses. Access to even basic medications, such as paracetamol, is contingent upon personal payment.
According to Human rights Watch’s July 2024 report, prisoners reported being denied adequate medical care and facing difficulties accessing essential medicines.
Royal Prerogative & Clemency
Under Bhutanese law, the sole authority to commute life sentences and grant freedom to these prisoners rests with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan (Article 21) vests executive power in the King. However, families of the political prisoners have reported being discouraged from applying for clemency by the King’s office.
As of January 19, 2026, there have been no publicly announced changes to this policy. Human Rights Watch calls for the King to reconsider and exercise his authority to address the prolonged detention and suffering of these individuals.
historical context: Nepali-Speaking Community & Protests
The arrests stem from protests in the early 1990s by members of the Nepali-speaking community (Lhotshampa) who sought greater political and cultural rights. These protests led to a crackdown by the Bhutanese government and a subsequent exodus of Lhotshampa refugees to Nepal. The UNHCR has documented the situation of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal for decades.
The Bhutanese government maintains that the Lhotshampa were not expelled but left voluntarily,a claim disputed by refugees and human rights organizations.the issue remains a sensitive and unresolved aspect of Bhutanese history.