On April 25th, 2009, Tibet's Panchen Lama, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, will turn 20 years old and spend another birthday as a prisoner of the Chinese government. In 1995, after being recognized by the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama, Chinese authorities kidnapped the boy and his family. He has not been seen nor heard from since.
Speak out for his release by signing the petition below.
We the undersigned are gravely concerned about the well-being of Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, Tibet's 11th Panchen Lama who turns 20 years old on April 25, 2009. He has not been seen since he and his family were abducted by Chinese authorities in May 1995. Your government has repeatedly denied foreign diplomats and human rights agencies access to him.
We are also outraged that Chinese authorities continue their violent crackdown inside Tibet following last year's widespread protests. More than 200 Tibetans have been killed by Chinese forces, hundreds unjustly sentenced to harsh prison terms and more than 1200 Tibetans are still missing.
We the undersigned call on you to immediately release Gendhun Choekyi Nyima and restore him to his rightful place at Tashilhunpo Monastery.
We further condemn your government's brutal clampdown in Tibet and call on you to release all Tibetans being unjustly held in prisons and detention centers across Tibet.
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
