Former Tibetan political prisoner Ngawang Sangdrol on April 25, 2003 urged the international community to continue undertaking actions for the release of the Panchen Lama saying her experience showed that his release is possible.
Participating in a rally in front of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. on April 25, 2003 evening, Sangdrol said she was filled with both joy and sorrow to be participating in her first-ever demonstration while in freedom. She said it was joyful that she was able to demonstrate in freedom without any fear of Chinese reprisal, but at the same time she was filled with sorrow to have had to leave her homeland.
Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who was recognized by the Dalai Lama in 1995, has not been seen in public since then. The Chinese authorities claim that he is under protective custody.
Talking from her own experience, Sangdrol informed Tibetans and Tibet supporters that their actions outside had concrete benefits for Tibetans imprisoned in Tibet. The Chinese authorities tend to adopt a more lenient attitude towards a particular prisoner when they know that there is international attention.
Sangdrol is currently undergoing medical examination in Washington, D.C.
Organized by the Capital Area Tibetan Association (CATA), Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) and the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), the rally in Washington, D.C. began with a prayer for the long life of the Panchen Lama by monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery, who are on a visit here.
President of CATA Namka Tenzin talked about the situation in Tibet. ICT Executive Director Mary Beth Markey announced a new initiative on the Panchen Lama campaign and read excerpts from the statement by Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. SFT Representative Nana explained why the student community felt strongly on the issue of the Panchen Lama.
Despite the inclement weather the more than 50 Tibetans and Tibet supporters carried placards and shouted slogans for the release of the Panchen Lama and for freedom in Tibet.
