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Hundreds Rally on Behalf of Tibetan Tenzin Delek at
UN Human Rights Commission
International Campaign for Tibet
07 April 2004
Geneva, Switzerland April 7 - Hundreds of people from
around the world gathered today at the annual meeting
of the UN Human Rights Commission demanding that China
meet international standards of human rights and due
process in the case of the well known and highly
respected Tibetan lama, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.
More than 20,000 messages of support for Tenzin Delek
are posted on a "Wall of Hope" as a massive expression
to Commission delegates that his case must be given
high priority during their deliberations and
discussions with the Chinese government.
a credible and independent investigation into his
arrest and trial; and the prosecution of officials
responsible for the violation of his human rights
during the process of investigation, detention, trial
and imprisonment.
"While the UN Human Rights Commission meets to
consider the human rights records of member states, we
are compelled to use this opportunity to highlight the
urgency of Tenzin Delek's case and build the
international support to secure his release," said
Tsering Jampa, Executive Director of the International
Campaign for Tibet-Europe.
April 7, 2004, marks the second anniversary of Tenzin
Delek Rinpoche's arrest in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous
Prefecture in connection with two bombings in Sichuan
province. He was charged with "incitement to
separatism" and "causing explosions." No evidence
links him to these crimes. Denied due process, he was
sentenced to death but granted a two-year suspension
on December 2, 2002. He is currently being held in
Tuandong Prison, Sichuan.
Tenzin Delek declared his innocence at the sentencing
hearing. He repeated this claim in a tape smuggled
from prison, saying, "I was wrongly accused because I
have always been sincere and devoted to the interests
and well-being of Tibetans. The Chinese did not like
what I did and what I said. That is the only reason
why I was arrested."
Circumstances surrounding his case indicate that the
prosecution of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was politically
motivated. His efforts to develop Tibetan institutions
-- including monasteries, schools and medical
facilities -- and to limit the exploitation of natural
resources in eastern Tibet, were ultimately seen as
subversive by local authorities.
His leadership outside the Communist Party made him a
political target. "Rinpoche's story is the story of
Tibet today and exposes China's true intention -- to
destroy the unique Tibetan identity," concluded Jampa.
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World Tibet Network NewsPublished by the Canada Tibet CommitteeThursday, April 8, 2004 |
8. Hundreds Rally on Behalf of Tibetan Tenzin Delek at UN Human Rights Commission
International Campaign for Tibet
07 April 2004
Geneva, Switzerland April 7 - Hundreds of people from
around the world gathered today at the annual meeting
of the UN Human Rights Commission demanding that China
meet international standards of human rights and due
process in the case of the well known and highly
respected Tibetan lama, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.
More than 20,000 messages of support for Tenzin Delek
are posted on a "Wall of Hope" as a massive expression
to Commission delegates that his case must be given
high priority during their deliberations and
discussions with the Chinese government.
a credible and independent investigation into his
arrest and trial; and the prosecution of officials
responsible for the violation of his human rights
during the process of investigation, detention, trial
and imprisonment.
"While the UN Human Rights Commission meets to
consider the human rights records of member states, we
are compelled to use this opportunity to highlight the
urgency of Tenzin Delek's case and build the
international support to secure his release," said
Tsering Jampa, Executive Director of the International
Campaign for Tibet-Europe.
April 7, 2004, marks the second anniversary of Tenzin
Delek Rinpoche's arrest in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous
Prefecture in connection with two bombings in Sichuan
province. He was charged with "incitement to
separatism" and "causing explosions." No evidence
links him to these crimes. Denied due process, he was
sentenced to death but granted a two-year suspension
on December 2, 2002. He is currently being held in
Tuandong Prison, Sichuan.
Tenzin Delek declared his innocence at the sentencing
hearing. He repeated this claim in a tape smuggled
from prison, saying, "I was wrongly accused because I
have always been sincere and devoted to the interests
and well-being of Tibetans. The Chinese did not like
what I did and what I said. That is the only reason
why I was arrested."
Circumstances surrounding his case indicate that the
prosecution of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was politically
motivated. His efforts to develop Tibetan institutions
-- including monasteries, schools and medical
facilities -- and to limit the exploitation of natural
resources in eastern Tibet, were ultimately seen as
subversive by local authorities.
His leadership outside the Communist Party made him a
political target. "Rinpoche's story is the story of
Tibet today and exposes China's true intention -- to
destroy the unique Tibetan identity," concluded Jampa.
Articles in this Issue:
- Situation in Tibet yet to improve
- A Buddhist practices tough prostration for world peace
- Graduate student arrested during ambassador's speech
- TYC led Indefinite Hunger Strike Update..
- Chinese ambassador visit sparks protests
- China to construct highway from Nepal to Tibet
- Protest march by Tibetan body
- Hundreds Rally on Behalf of Tibetan Tenzin Delek at UN Human Rights Commission
- Two foreigners arrested for staying without documents
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