On April 25th, 2008, Tibet's Panchen Lama, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, will turn 19 years old and spend another birthday as a prisoner of the Chinese government. In 1995, after being recognized by the Dalai Lama as Tibet's second most important spiritual leader, Chinese authorities kidnapped the Panchen Lama and his family. He has not been 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 19 years old on April 25, 2008. 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 by the current bloody crackdown inside Tibet. Tens of thousands of Tibetans have spoken out against China's occupation of their homeland and your government's systematic attempts to destroy Tibetans' religion, culture and identity. They have been met with brutal military force. Over 150 Tibetans have been killed by Chinese forces and many thousands have been imprisoned and brutally beaten.
The global community condemns your government's actions and will never accept China as a leader on the international stage while Tibetans continue to suffer under Chinese occupation.
We demand that you immediately release Gendhun Choekyi Nyima and every Tibetan currently being held in Chinese prisons and detention centers across Tibet.
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
