More than 200 people, Tibetans and supporters gathered to condemn the Chinese rule in Tibet and commemorate the Human Rights day in Minneapolis on Saturday, December 10.
Minnesotans who had experienced persecution firsthand in Tibet, local leaders, and monks offered personal testimony about the human rights crisis in Tibet.
Bearing placards and holding candles, the protesters stood for an hour braving the blustery and 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 a prayer. The Tibetan Youth Congress’ Human Rights Statement was read and followed by a presentation on a glimpse of Human Rights abuse in Tibet. Many of those present shed tears as one speaker recollected his personal trauma and abuse under the Chinese regime.
Several speakers demanded the immediate termination and complete withdrawal of the “patriotic re-education campaign” and the immediate release and reinstatement of all the monks and nuns. Sending a strong spiritual message of condemnation the crowd chanted in unison, “Release – the Panchen Lama -Tenzin Delek – all political prisoners” “Free Tibet”. The vigil ended with the singing of the Tibetan National Anthem.
FOX, WCCO, local radio stations and numerous national and local newspapers covered the candlelight vigil.
The vigil was organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of Minnesota, and supported by the Tibetan American Foundation, Tibetan Women’s Association and Students for a Free Tibet.
The Tibetan community gathered later that evening to celebrate the anniversary of the Dalai Lama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
