Tibetan Youth UK

"The safety of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his proper religious training is of particular concern for me. I, therefore, appeal to all governments, religious and human rights organizations for their intervention in ensuring the safety and freedom of the young Panchen Lama."

- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima turns 17 on 25th April 2006. At the age of six, he was proclaimed as the true reincarnation of the late 10th Panchen Lama, the second highest spiritual leader of Tibet. On 14th May 2006, His Holiness the Dalai Lama officially recognised Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama (http://www.tibet.com/PL/may14a.html). Within three days of the announcement, on 17th May 1995, the six year-old boy and his parents disappeared from their home. It was reported that the Chinese authorities have taken them into their custody. Since then, he was known as the world's youngest political prisoner of conscience and the whereabouts and well being of the 11th Panchen Lama is unknown.

On 28th May 1996, China finally admitted that they were holding the young boy and his parents. It is essential for the 11th Panchen Lama to be free from the continued illegal detention by the Chinese authorities so as to receive his tradition and religious studies that befits him. The relationship between the institutions of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama has to be preserved as an established custom for the future of Tibet. So, the safety and future of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is of serious concern.

Please join the protest and candle light vigil for the immediate release of the 11th Panchen Lama.

What: Candle Light Vigil and Protest
When: Tuesday, 25 April 2006 @ 7-8pm
Where: The Chinese Embassy, 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL
(Nearest tubes: Great Portland St/Oxford Circus)
Street Map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=528731&y=181868&z=0&sv=W1B+1JL&st=2&pc=W1B+1JL&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

For further information, please contact:

Contact: +44-7725501995
E-mail: tibetanyouthinuk@yahoo.co.uk
Visit: www.tibetanyouthuk.blogspot.com

# posted by Tibetan Youth UK @ 9:50 pm 1 comments