To observe the 2nd anniversary of Trulku Tenzin Delek’s arrest on 7 April 2002 and to express shock and dismay unjust death sentences passed on Trulku Tenzin Delek, the Tibetan Women’s Association will undertake a peaceful procession calling for global action to save Trulku Tenzin Delek’s life. The march will commence at 9 AM from Mcleod Ganj bus stand to Kacheri in Lower Dharamsala. Around 400 people are expected to join the procession.
TWA continue to condemn the politically motivated death sentence passed on Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche on 2 December 2002. TWA is yet to recover from the shock and dismay it experienced on 26 January 2003 when Trulku’s relative, Lobsang Dhondup was summarily executed following a closed trial. The Chinese authorities with utter disregard to international political and public opinion went ahead with the execution. The authorities have, to this day, never admitted accountability for his execution.
No information was available as to Trulku’s whereabouts until the pressure from German foreign Ministry forced Chinese Foreign Ministry to disclose that Trulku was being held in Chuangdong prison in Dazu district of eastern Sichuan province. Alongside, it was indicated that Trulku’s death sentence with 2 years reprieve would be calculated from the day of final judgement (from 26 January 2003 onwards).
Following the arbitrary arrest, Trulku was held incommunicado for 8 months until his trial day on 2 December 2002 when both were charged with “incitement to separatism and conspiring to cause explosions”. The verdict immediately met with severe criticism and condemnation from Tibetans and supporters world over. A shady retrial was conducted and on 26 January 2003, Lobsang Dhondup was executed and Trulku received death sentence with two-year suspension. Both were denied representation by independent lawyers in violation of its own criminal laws and constitution. Many believe that Lobsang Dhondup was tortured to extract “confession”. Trulku was finally moved to an undisclosed location. The Chinese authorities have, to date, never come up with compelling evidence to substantiate its acts against one of Tibet’s most revered monk, Trulku Tenzin Delek.
China has in recent years intensified its control on influential Buddhist leaders and monks who have vast support base among the common people and especially those who are active and outspoken in their love and patriotism for their distinct cultural and religious heritage. The global anti-terror mania served the Chinese authorities well in subscribing acts of terror to the Tibetans.
Trulku Tenzin Delek was a respected and influential Buddhist teacher as well as a dedicated community activist. Many believe that Trulku Tenzin Delek was falsely charged with alleged crimes. In early January 2003, Trulku Tenzin Delek has, in a smuggled tape, categorically rejected all the charges.
TWA demand that the death sentence must be revoked followed by a fair and independent review of the verdict. The review procedure must meet international legal standards and principles enshrined in the UDHR. The PRC must guarantee the safety of Trulku Tenzin Delek.
TWA urge the United Nations and other rights organizations to facilitate an independent visit to Trulku Tenzin Delek in prison. An independent inquiry must be conducted to investigate the execution of Lobsang Dhondup.
TWA is indebted to the overwhelming support shown by governments and supporters worldwide and urge the free world to join hands in saving a precious life.
Contact: Ms. Passang Dolma
01892-221198/221527/9418121240
Tibetan Women’s Association
Central Executive Committee
Bhagsu Nag Road
McLeod Ganj
Dharamsala, 176219
India
