Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche

A downloadable talk given to Aberdeen University on the subject goes-into the background of the case in great detail. More information on the UK campaign from the FreeTibet site here.

Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche, together with a lay Tibetan, Lobsang Dhondup, was arrested on 7 April 2002 for alleged involvement in a bomb blast in Chengdu. It is thought that they were beaten and tortured while in prison.

At their trial in December 2002 both men were condemned to death, although Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche's sentence carried a suspension of two years. Following their unsuccessful appeal in January 2003, Lobsang Dhondup was immediately executed. There are grave concerns about the lack of evidence and the fairness (they were denied legal representation) of both their trial and appeal, and throughout the world Tibet organisations, governments, the EU etc made representations on their behalf to the Chinese Government — to no avail.

Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche - "Rinpoche"  is his title, by the way, denoting a religious leader - is an extremely popular and well-respected figure with Tibetans in his area, and has been the motivator behind a number of projects to improve living-conditions in that region. Given the nature of Chinese politics in the region, this fact alone has most likely attracted the animosity of the Beijing Govenrment.

In view of the nature of the incident (terrorism) and the fact that Buddhist ethics forbid violent acts, it would seem very improbable that Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche  was in any way involved. A more plausible explanation for his arrest stems from his disagreements with the Beijing government over the restrictions on building of schools and monasteries, which have no doubt led to his being regarded as a figure whose voice should be silenced if at all possible. In this case, by way of a trumped-up charge, or by being accused of a violent act for which the real perpetrator cannot be found.

Developments: 

Sept 2007: There are signs of renewed capaigning by his own village, once more trying to get him released. More on this here.

Things you can do to help:

Hold a Publicity Event in your area. A photo-petition at your workplace is an excellent idea, provided that the images can be submitted to Free Tibet Campaign by the 15th of November. Written petitions are another alternative. Approach your local press for coverage of the situation, and of the specific event you're hosting.

Fax or e-mail  your local Chinese Embassy or consulate, and ask why Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche has been accused of a crime which he almost certainly took no part in.  Click here for a free-to-use online fax-page, with a selection of pre-written letters ready for you to send. (You don't need a fax-machine to use this facility, it's all handled on the website at no cost to you)

Petition your MP to ask questions in the House about Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche, and to encourage dialogue with the Chinese.

See the UK central Free Tibet site for more information about nationwide events and campaigns, and campaigning ideas relating to Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche.

   
We've been highly successful with previous campaigns, notably that of Ngawang Sangdrol, whom many people thought would never be released. She is now free, thanks to Western public-opinion. Let's keep up the pressure!