By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, July 13: Tibetan businessman and philanthropist Dorjee Tashi and his sister Gompo Kyi were awarded the annual ‘Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Medal of Courage’ award on July 12, honoring them as Tibetan human rights defenders who have shown exceptional commitment to enhancing the rights of the Tibetan people.
The award ceremony marked the 8th anniversary of the untimely death of the revered Tibetan spiritual leader, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, who perished in Chinese custody on July 12, 2015. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was widely recognized for his role as a leader who worked tirelessly to develop social, medical, educational, and religious institutions for Tibetan nomads, advocate for environmental conservation, and mediate between Tibetans and the Chinese authorities.
Dorjee Tashi, a well-known Tibetan hotel owner, was detained on 10 July 2008 during the Chinese government’s response to the 2008 Tibetan uprising. He was falsely accused of sheltering Tibetan protestors in his hotel and making a donation to the Tibetan community in exile. Following a secret trial in 2010 on trumped-up charges of ‘loan fraud,’ he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Despite over a decade of unsuccessful attempts to seek justice within the Chinese legal system, Dorjee Tashi’s family has been publicly advocating for his release.
His sister, Gompo Kyi, has been at the forefront of a relentless series of protests, demanding justice for Dorjee Tashi and his immediate release. However, she has faced abuse and multiple detentions for her non-violent activism. During her detention, Gyompo Kyi has reportedly endured physical abuse, rigorous questioning, and warnings to cease her protests. Governments around the world, including the European Union and the United States, have expressed serious concerns about Dorjee Tashi’s case.
The award ceremony was hosted by four Tibetan NGOs: the Tibetan Women’s Association, the National Democratic Party of Tibet, Students for a Free Tibet – India, and the International Tibet Network. The award aims to shed light on the courageous efforts of Tibetan human rights defenders and draw international attention to their plight. By recognizing their dedication and perseverance, the award seeks to provide them with increased protection and support.
CTA President honourable Sikyong Penpa Tsering graced the occasion as the chief guest and other guest speakers included Dhondup Wangchen, Wangdhen Kyab, and Ven. Tsering Dorjee.
The ‘Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Medal of Courage’ was first awarded in 2016 to retired medical doctor Yeshi Choedron, who was arrested in March 2008 and accused of providing intelligence deemed harmful to the state. Yeshi Choedron is currently serving a 15-year sentence in TAR (Drapchi) Prison.
The ‘Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Medal of Courage serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom in Tibet. It emphasizes the collective efforts required to safeguard the rights of Tibetan individuals who face persecution and imprisonment for their activism.
