Campaign #1: Free the Panchen Lama

At the age of 13, the Panchen Lama is the world’s youngest political prisoner. After the death of the 10th Panchen Lama in 1989, the Dalai Lama sent out a search party to find his reincarnation in the centuries old traditional manner. However, the Chinese, wishing to establish their own authority over religious affairs in Tibet, interfered and selected their own Panchen Lama. In 1995 the young boy selected by the Dalai Lama’s committee was kidnapped by the Chinese, along with his entire family, and placed under house arrest. He was only six years old. Today the well-being and whereabouts of the Panchen Lama and his family remain unconfirmed. Act now by checking out this site to see how you can urge your government and the government of China to free the Panchen Lama.

In December 2002, this respected Buddhist leader from Eastern Tibet and Lobsang Dhondup were arrested and accused of being involved in a bomb explosion. No evidence was provided, and it is likely that they were targeted due to their cultural and political beliefs. After immense international pressure, the Chinese assured that the two prisoners would receive a fair trial. However, in a shocking development, the Chinese held a secret retrial and executed Lobsang Dhondup on January 23, 2003. Please take action now and ensure that Tenzin Delek Rincpoche does not suffer the same fate.

It must be emphasized that Students for a Free Tibet is not anti-Chinese. However, on December 10th (Human Rights Day) 2002 Tibetans, Chinese and supporters throughout the world called for an international boycott of Chinese products. Since market forces and international trade have failed to transform China into a genuine democracy, consumers throughout the world have taken matters into their own hands. Act now by making the choice to boycott, and tell others what you are doing and why. Besides making an economic impact, boycotting also calls international attention to serious issues in China such as violation of human rights, environmental destruction and lack of political and religious freedoms. See this excellent website for more information: boycottmadeinchina.org

These fourteen nuns were imprisoned between 1989 and 1992 for taking part in peaceful demonstrations. While in Drapchi, Tibet’s most notorious prison due to the harsh conditions endured by inmates, they were given extended sentences for composing and recording songs about peace and independence. Due to recent pressure from SFT and other Tibet support groups, all but three of the nuns have now been released. One has passed away, while two remain imprisoned. See here to find out how you can help to release these two nuns.

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