Dharamshala: Hundreds of Tibetans in eastern Tibet are appealing for a new trial for revered monk and Buddhist teacher Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, who is serving a life sentence in a Chinese prison. Reports indicate that those appealing include five of Tenzin Delek’s relatives who recently travelled to Beijing to deliver a petition on his behalf signed by 30,000 people (1). Since Saturday 5 December, several hundred Tibetans in and around his village of Orthok, Nyagchukha County, Kardze Prefecture in Kham (Ch: Yajiang County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province) have been peacefully gathering and holding hunger strikes in support of their imprisoned spiritual leader; reports suggest that as many as 90 of them have been arrested.
Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was sentenced to death in December 2002 on conspiracy charges relating to a bombing incident in Chengdu, but has maintained his innocence throughout his detention (2). Following a global advocacy campaign, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in January 2005. Local Tibetans have remained intensely loyal to Tenzin Delek, and their actions in recent days represent a major escalation in their campaign for a re-trial (3), as Chinese authorities step up security measures in the region.
“This is a remarkable public outpouring of support for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, especially given the intense security climate that continues today in Tibet,” said Tenzin Dorjee, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet. “Tibetans in the area have never accepted that this Buddhist monk, who devoted his life to the betterment of his community and the protection of the environment, could be convicted of a violent crime, and they are taking extraordinary risks in their efforts to secure his release.”
According to reports from Tibet, five members of Tenzin Delek’s family travelled to Beijing a number of weeks ago to deliver a lengthy petition, which called for a new hearing on the basis of three points; that there is no proof against Tenzin Delek, that he refuses to admit any guilt, and that he was framed by an official plot. The petition describes in detail how Tenzin Delek has maintained his innocence and appealed for help in securing a new trial. According to the petition text, when a family member was permitted to visit him in prison, he said;
“I am not responsible for these explosions or any other illegal actions, they have pinned this on me, I have always taught people that one should not harm any life, not even that of an ant, how could I then possibly be responsible for such an action? If it is possible to appeal, there is hope that I may be cleared of all charges.”
Reports indicate that Tenzin Delek’s relatives were forced to return home from Beijing and then travelled to Chengdu, Sichuan to request permission from the courts to visit him. Some reports suggest that this group may have been detained, but this has not been confirmed. Tenzin Delek is being held in Mianyang Prison, Sichuan Province. His health is understood to be deteriorating and he reportedly has difficultly walking and suffers heart pains as a result of being tortured and imprisoned.
Sources in Orthok Village and Nyagchukha County report that in recent days security forces have surrounded hundreds of Tibetans who were congregating in the County centre, but many have been stopped or detained. It is unclear whether those detained have yet been released. According to Human Rights Watch, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was denied access to a lawyer of his choosing and basic legal rights, and the charges against him appear groundless, prompting the widespread demand for a re-trial.
“Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was never granted a fair trial, and after seven years it is time for his case to be reopened and a new trial be granted in accordance with international legal standards,” said Ven. Ngawang Woeber, President of the Gu Chu Sum Former Political Prisoners’ organization.
Tibetans and supporters worldwide are marking International Human Rights Day tomorrow, December 10th, with global protests and vigils. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his internationally recognized efforts to negotiate a resolution for Tibet with the Chinese government.
Curtsy- NVO News
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Denmark seeks to pacify China over Tibet
COPENHAGEN — Denmark will oppose Tibetan independence and carefully consider China's reaction before inviting the Dalai Lama again, Copenhagen said Thursday in a diplomatic note to Beijing.
"Denmark is fully aware of the importance and sensitivity of Tibet-related issues and attaches great importance to the view of the Chinese government on these issues," the note said.
"Denmark takes very seriously the Chinese opposition to meetings between members of the Danish Government and the Dalai Lama, and has duly noted Chinese views that such meetings are against the core interest of China, and will handle such issues prudently.
"In this regard, Denmark reaffirms its One-China Policy and its unchanged position that Tibet is an integral part of China. Denmark recognises China?s sovereignty over Tibet and accordingly opposes the independence of Tibet."
Ties between Beijing and Copenhagen have been strained since late May when the Tibetan spiritual leader visited Denmark and was received by Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller.
The welcome accorded to the Dalai Lama in what was termed a private visit led to the cancellation of official Danish visits to China and fueled problems for Danish firms operating in the country.
The note said Denmark "attaches great importance to the considerable progress of the bilateral relations and the fruitful cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950."
The diplomatic note was backed by two big opposition socialist parties but was slammed by an ally of the liberal-conservative government.
"The government is going on bended knee before China," said Soeren Espersen, spokesman of the far-right Danish People's Party.
Political analyst Hans Engell told the TV2 News television channel: "The government has given in to Chinese pressure" to "preserve the interests of its companies."
The Dalai Lama fled Chinese-ruled Tibet more than 50 years ago and is seen by Beijing as a separatist seeking independence for his Himalayan homeland -- an accusation that the Buddhist monk has vehemently denied.
China has repeatedly said the door was always open for dialogue with the Dalai Lama's representatives, but so far sporadic talks since 2002 have failed to make progress.
Curtsy- AFP
"Denmark is fully aware of the importance and sensitivity of Tibet-related issues and attaches great importance to the view of the Chinese government on these issues," the note said.
"Denmark takes very seriously the Chinese opposition to meetings between members of the Danish Government and the Dalai Lama, and has duly noted Chinese views that such meetings are against the core interest of China, and will handle such issues prudently.
"In this regard, Denmark reaffirms its One-China Policy and its unchanged position that Tibet is an integral part of China. Denmark recognises China?s sovereignty over Tibet and accordingly opposes the independence of Tibet."
Ties between Beijing and Copenhagen have been strained since late May when the Tibetan spiritual leader visited Denmark and was received by Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller.
The welcome accorded to the Dalai Lama in what was termed a private visit led to the cancellation of official Danish visits to China and fueled problems for Danish firms operating in the country.
The note said Denmark "attaches great importance to the considerable progress of the bilateral relations and the fruitful cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950."
The diplomatic note was backed by two big opposition socialist parties but was slammed by an ally of the liberal-conservative government.
"The government is going on bended knee before China," said Soeren Espersen, spokesman of the far-right Danish People's Party.
Political analyst Hans Engell told the TV2 News television channel: "The government has given in to Chinese pressure" to "preserve the interests of its companies."
The Dalai Lama fled Chinese-ruled Tibet more than 50 years ago and is seen by Beijing as a separatist seeking independence for his Himalayan homeland -- an accusation that the Buddhist monk has vehemently denied.
China has repeatedly said the door was always open for dialogue with the Dalai Lama's representatives, but so far sporadic talks since 2002 have failed to make progress.
Curtsy- AFP
Friday, December 11, 2009
International Human Rights Day, NEpal
Tibetan Refugees in exile oobserved International Human Rights Day
Tibetan Refugees in Exile celebrate International Human Rights Day and 20Th anniversary of Nobel Prise to H.H. The Dalai Lama
Tibetan Refugees in Exile celebrate International Human Rights Day and 20Th anniversary of Nobel Prise to H.H. The Dalai Lama.
Celebrations in Nepal
Celebrations in Nepal
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Nepalese Tibetan community in exile commemorates anniversary of Nobel price to Dalai Lama
Today Tibetan community in exile commemorated anniversary of Nobel price award to H.H. Dalai Lama with great enthusiasm. Tibetans from all walks of life attended the main program that was organized at local Boudha stupa in Kathmandu.
At the beginning special prayers were offered for the long life of H.H Dalai Lama and many cultural events were also organized. Events included lucky draw of gifts to children, traditional Tibetan Dance was performed at the end of the program.
Program was attended in large number by the members of TYC, TWO and other organization.
At the beginning special prayers were offered for the long life of H.H Dalai Lama and many cultural events were also organized. Events included lucky draw of gifts to children, traditional Tibetan Dance was performed at the end of the program.
Program was attended in large number by the members of TYC, TWO and other organization.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
TYC is not a Terrorist outfit
Tibetan Youth Congress is an organization that has been in prominence due to its hard stand on the issue of Tibetan freedom. recently TYC came to limelight when it staged a chain of protests against Chinese control on Tibet just before Beijing Olympics.
TYC's Nepal unit was significantly active in staging protests during that time. News Tibet spoke to its General secretary Mr. Tashi at an undisclosed location in Nepal.
While talking to News Tibet Tashi told that TYC was for freedom of Tibet and preservation of culture and religion amongst Tibetan Youth and it has aspirations for a free Tibet as any other Tibetan in exile has. But, Chinese propaganda has almost branded it as a terrorist outfit which is not true at all.
Tashi also told that TYC was for freedom of Tibet through peaceful and non violent means.
When asked about reservations to speak to media Tashi told that TYC members dont have any reservations to speak to media. But, sometimes false and managed reporting and misuse of facts leads to increase in problems of people from Tibetan community in exile. Therefore TYC member's meet media only after they are confirm about credentials of the media people.
When asked about Dalai Lama's proposal on genuine autonomy on Tibet Tashi told that TYC's top leadership would decide the issue after consultation with all its members as and when required and if situation arises.
TYC's Nepal unit was significantly active in staging protests during that time. News Tibet spoke to its General secretary Mr. Tashi at an undisclosed location in Nepal.
While talking to News Tibet Tashi told that TYC was for freedom of Tibet and preservation of culture and religion amongst Tibetan Youth and it has aspirations for a free Tibet as any other Tibetan in exile has. But, Chinese propaganda has almost branded it as a terrorist outfit which is not true at all.
Tashi also told that TYC was for freedom of Tibet through peaceful and non violent means.
When asked about reservations to speak to media Tashi told that TYC members dont have any reservations to speak to media. But, sometimes false and managed reporting and misuse of facts leads to increase in problems of people from Tibetan community in exile. Therefore TYC member's meet media only after they are confirm about credentials of the media people.
When asked about Dalai Lama's proposal on genuine autonomy on Tibet Tashi told that TYC's top leadership would decide the issue after consultation with all its members as and when required and if situation arises.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Reports related to secret meeting between Ex-crown prince Paras and Dalai Lama’s representative saddens Tibetan refugees in Kathmandu.
A news item covering news related to secret meeting between ex crown prince Paras and Dalai Lama’s representative Thinley Gyasto in mountain resort of Jomsom has created havoc amongst Tibetan refugees in Kathmandu.
Noteworthy, news related to the above stated meeting was carried by some local news papers few days back. Reveling of such meeting in press has made Tibetan refugees express their reactions to this meeting.
Many Tibetan refugees in Boudha area termed this meeting as far from truth and termed the news as part of Chinese propaganda. Some others termed it as part of on going political unrest in Nepal and had nothing to do with it.
However, Thinley Gyasto has denied any such meeting and also has issued a rejoinder in this regard.
On the other hand, all pro Dalai Tibetan organizations like TYC and TWA in Kathmandu has refuted the stated attempt to defame Dalai Lama and his followers by local media.
Noteworthy, news related to the above stated meeting was carried by some local news papers few days back. Reveling of such meeting in press has made Tibetan refugees express their reactions to this meeting.
Many Tibetan refugees in Boudha area termed this meeting as far from truth and termed the news as part of Chinese propaganda. Some others termed it as part of on going political unrest in Nepal and had nothing to do with it.
However, Thinley Gyasto has denied any such meeting and also has issued a rejoinder in this regard.
On the other hand, all pro Dalai Tibetan organizations like TYC and TWA in Kathmandu has refuted the stated attempt to defame Dalai Lama and his followers by local media.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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