Beijing, Aug 29 (IANS) A Tibetan monk was Monday sentenced by a Chinese court to jail for 11 years for plotting and assisting another monk's self-immolation.
Drongdru, a 46-year-old monk in Kirti Monastery in Aba Tibetan-Qiang autonomous prefecture, was charged with hiding the 16-year-old injured monk, preventing emergency treatment and causing his death due to late treatment, said the Maerkang County People's Court in Sichuan province.
Rigzin Phuntsog, a disciple and nephew of Drongdru, set himself on fire March 16 early this year, and was hidden for 11 hours. He died the next morning after treatment failed at a local hospital, Xinhua reported.
Drongdru pleaded guilty to the murder charge. He said he felt regretful over the hiding and prevention of emergency treatment. He asked the court for leniency.
Drongdru, however, said he would not appeal against the verdict.
Another two monks - Tsering Tenzin and Tenchum - are scheduled to stand trial Tuesday for their involvement in the immolation case.