Minnesota, December 10: Minnesotans marked the world human rights day with Candle Light Vigil.
More than 100 people, Tibetans and supporters gathered to commemorate the world human rights day and to condemn ongoing brutal Chinese occupation of Tibet.
Minnesota Tibetans who had experienced firsthand persecution in Tibet, including local leaders and monks, offered personal testimony about the human rights crisis in Tibet. Among guests were US senator Amy Klobuchar’s representative Monica Dooner and world known human right activist Leslie Kaup.
Bearing placards and holding candles, the protestors stood for an hour braving the blustery and freezing cold Minnesota winter chanting, waving flags and banners. Numerous holiday shoppers joined the crowd in downtown Minneapolis or honked their support as they drove by shouting “Free Tibet“.
The vigil started with introductory talk by General Secretary Tsewang Chokden in which he highlighted the grim human rights situation in Tibet and urged governments to give prior importance to human rights rather than only stressing on economic interests.
Monica Dooner assured continued support to Tibet’s cause and human rights issue. Leslie Kaup roused crowd by sharing her personal story of detention under Chinese authority and vowed that her support for Tibet will continue.
Several speakers also demanded release of Panchen Lama, Tibet’s stolen child and demanded world to boycott 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The vigil was organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth congress and supported by the Tibetan American Foundations of Minnesota, Regional Tibetan Women’s Association and Students for Free Tibet.
