Dear yoshi,
We are devastated to learn that Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, an innocent and revered Tibetan Buddhist monk and community leader has died in Chinese prison after 13 years of unjust imprisonment. China must answer for his death.
On July 12th, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s family was informed by Chinese police that he had passed away in a prison near Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Chinese authorities are refusing to reveal the circumstances around his death or return his body to the family.
But Tibetans in Tibet have gathered in protest to demand his family be able to carry out final Buddhist rites for Tenzin Delek. Thousands have gathered in his home area of Nyagchuka and we’re receiving reports of other protests across Tibet.
Here are 3 urgent actions you can take to make China answer and demand justice for Tenzin Delek:
3. Organize or join a protest near you.
The Chinese government is responsible for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s death. For over 13 years, he was brutally tortured in Chinese prison, leaving him in critical medical condition. Despite his and his family’s repeated requests, he was denied medical treatment.
Tenzin Delek was imprisoned and killed by China because of the hope and strength he represented for Tibetans everywhere - from his tireless work for the betterment of his people, to his efforts to protect the environment and promote Tibetan language and culture.
His death is a stark reminder of the violence and brutality inflicted on Tibetans every day in Tibet under Chinese occupation. Together, we will make China answer for Tenzin Delek’s death. Please join us in action now.
For Justice,
Tenzin Dolkar
Executive Director
