Tenzin Delek Rinpoche
Background on Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's Case
Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a well-known lama from Nyagchu area, Lithang County, Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (eastern Tibet), was detained on April 7, 2002, at the age of 55. His lead efforts were focused on building monasteries, schools and homes for the poor. He was arrested for alleged "incitement to separatism" and "crimes of terror" and sentenced to death on December 2, 2002 with a two-year reprieve. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was held incommunicado for eight months until the day of his trial. After his sentencing, he reportedly began a hunger strike to protest his treatment in detention, which sources say has included torture, and because Chinese authorities have denied him a fair trial.
Politically motivated arrest
The circumstances surrounding this case indicate that the prosecution of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was politically motivated and has not met minimum standards of due process. He built monasteries, schools and homes for the elderly in his community in eastern Tibet. His leadership outside the Communist Party made him a political target. To date, the Chinese authorities have not produced any credible evidence of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's involvement in the explosions. A smuggled tape made by Tenzin Delek Rinpoche asserted, "Whatever the authorities do and say, I am innocent."
On January 26, 2003 the Sichuan Provincial Court rejected Tenzin Delek's appeal and executed his alleged co-conspirator, Lobsang Dhondup, on that same day. On January 26, 2005, the second anniversary of his appeal rejection, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's death sentence was commuted to life in prison. However, the case has yet to be resolved justly.
Despite appeals by the international community, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche is still serving an unjust life sentence in Chuandong Prison in Sichuan Province and is reportedly being treated for heart disease. ICT calls for the immediate release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche - Take Action!
Watch this inspiring movie about Tenzin Delek Rinpoche by Students for a Free Tibet, at: http://studentsforafreetibet.org/downloads/tenzin_content.html
