Drolma Kyi, a figure known for her activism in support of Tibetan independence, was apprehended by Chinese authorities during significant unrest in Tibet. This specific period in March 2008 saw widespread protests against Chinese policies, sparked by the 49th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising. The protests were characterized by calls for greater autonomy and respect for human rights amidst escalating tensions surrounding the Chinese government's heavy-handed policies in the region. In Lhasa, where Drolma was arrested, demonstrations began to spread throughout Tibetan areas, unearthing a historical resentment that had been building for decades. Drolma's activism included vocal support for peaceful protests aimed at raising awareness about the plight of Tibetans in the face of cultural and political oppression, which made her a target for the authorities as they sought to quash these uprisings.

Her arrest was notable not only for its context but also for its timing, as it coincided with a broader crackdown on activists during the protests. Chinese security forces had been increasing their presence in Lhasa and other Tibetan areas, attempting to suppress demonstrations by arresting prominent activists and deploying military units in an effort to maintain order. The international community was closely monitoring the situation in Tibet, and Drolma's arrest became a focal point in discussions surrounding human rights abuses and the treatment of ethnic minorities in China. The widespread reporting on her case and its implications illustrated the global ramifications of China's domestic policies, especially in regions with historical significance like Tibet, drawing scrutiny from human rights organizations around the world.