On
Sunday 25 April, Tibet Support Group Grampian held an information stall
and vigil in St Nicholas Street, Aberdeen to mark the 21st birthday of
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Panchen Lama.
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, ostensibly the holder of the next highest office in the Tibetan government after the Dalai Lama, has been held in detention
by the Chinese authorities since 1995 when he was first recognised, at
the age of six, as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. There was a
large pretend 'birthday cake' surrounded by 21 candles, and a birthday
card of the Tibetan flag for members of the public to sign. Nearly 100
signatures were collected on the card, which will be sent to the
Chinese Ambassador in London, requesting him to forward it to the
Panchen Lama. Campaign cards calling for the release of the Panchen
Lama were also signed by members of the public and these will be sent
to the Chinese Ambassador.
