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Speech by Lindsey Rieger SFT Midwest Regional Coordinator At the gate of the Consulate of The People's Republic of China Chicago, IL December 10, 2004 Today is International Human Rights Day. Today of all days it is especially important that we stand up for our undeniable rights and fight against the injustices in the world. That is why today we are fighting for the life of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche who is facing execution at the hands of the Chinese government. He and Lobsang Dhondup were accused in a series of bombings, but no credible evidence was ever presented publicly in their case. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have released statements saying they believe they were framed. On December 2nd, 2002, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve. China committed its first execution of a Tibetan in over a decade with their execution of Lobsang Dhondup, representing a huge step backward for Chinašs already horrendous human rights record. Today we prove that the world will not stand idly by and allow the innocent Tenzin Delek Rinpoche to be executed by China as was Lobsang Dhondup. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche is known as a steadfast follower of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his philosophy of non-violence, and it is widely believed that he is being targeted because of his popularity among local Tibetans and Chinese Buddhists. On grounds of terrorism, China delivered especially harsh sentences to both Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and Lobsang Dhondup. The Chinese government is taking advantage of the US war on terrorism and testing the waters to see how extreme of a punishment they can get away with. Around the world, we are watching and we will hold the Chinese government accountable for its actions. Protests and demonstrations are happening around the world all week to signal to the Chinese government that support for Tibet and the Tibetan people is stronger than ever and that they cannot kill the Tibetan spirit of resistance through repression and executions. We, the supporters of a free Tibet, have the responsibility to apply pressure on the Chinese government. We must use our freedom to gain the freedom of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. We will continue to put pressure on the Chinese government until Tenzin Delek Rinpoche is free and until the overall persecution of the Tibetan culture, religion and people ends. FREE
TENZIN DELEK NOW! |
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