This year marks the 10th anniversary of China’s abduction and detention of the Panchen Lama, Tibet?s stolen child, who will turn 16 on 25 April. On May 14,1995, six-year-old Gedun Choeky Nyima was recognized by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet. Determined to control religion in Tibet, the Chinese authorities kidnapped this young boy and his family three days later. (20-APR-05)
This year in September, the People´s Republic of China is scheduled to appear before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to publicly report on its actions regarding the human rights and welfare of children under its control. the People´s Republic of China wants the world to forget about the Panchen Lama and what they have done, particularly leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Panchen Lama, pictured at the time of his recognition as the next Dalai Lama, some ten years ago.
Gross violation of freedom of religion – and self-determination, too
China’s denying the Dalai Lama’s recognition of Panchen Lama ten years ago and appointing a replacement must be considered one of the worst examples of how the Chinese government over and over again has disrupted the religious customs of Tibetan Buddhism that have been in place for hundreds years. The intensions of the Chinese government are clear: if the atheist government can choose and control the Panchen Lama, one of Tibetan Buddhism?s most prominent religious authorities, they believe they will also be positioned to choose the next Dalai Lama and thus control Tibet, also religiously, even further.
