DEMAND RELEASE OF TIBETAN MONK ON DEATH ROW
New York – Two men locked themselves to the doors of the Chinese consulate today, calling on China’s government to overturn the death sentence of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher who could be killed in April 2004. Between them, two other activists held a 20-foot banner reading “Stop the Execution – Free Tenzin Delek” across the entranceway, while dozens of Tibetans and supporters rallied next to them. The protest was one of more than twenty that targeted Chinese government offices with banner-hangs, blockades, mock hangings, vigils and demonstrations today, one year to the day since Rinpoche’s death sentence was upheld and Lobsang Dhondup, his distant relative, was executed.
“Tenzin Delek Rinpoche is innocent, and we demand that his death sentence be overturned,” said Tom Grant, one of the men participating in the blockade. “Until he is free, the Chinese government can expect to have activists hanging banners from their buildings, demonstrating outside their offices, and bombarding them with messages, exposing their unjust persecution of Tibetans on the world stage.”
Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was arrested in April 2002 for alleged involvement in a series of explosions in eastern Tibet and sentenced to death later that year. He is a hero to many Tibetans for his efforts to protect the environment and promote Tibetan culture and religion. He has established numerous schools, orphanages, medical clinics and monasteries in his home region of Lithang, eastern Tibet (Chinese: Sichuan Province). Tibetans believe he is being framed because he is perceived as a threat to Chinese control over the area.
“Tenzin Delek Rinpoche has devoted his life to helping his community, yet the Chinese government accuses him of terrorism,” said Lhadon Tethong, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet. “China’s persecution of this man shows their desperation to control and subjugate the Tibetan people, and only strengthens our determination to fight for justice for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and all Tibetans.”
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. A chapter-based network of more than 650 schools worldwide, SFT campaigns for Tibetans’ fundamental right to political freedom through education, grassroots organizing, and nonviolent direct action.
Contact:
Freya Putt, office (212) 358-0071, mobile (347) 489-6324
Alma David, office (212) 358-0071, mobile (917) 855-9057
