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Groups > FREE TIBET > Discussions > Topic: Action to free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche
Topic: Action to free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche

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Terri S.	Action to free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche November 14, 2004 7:58 AM Tenzin Delek Rinpoche is a highly respected Buddhist leader from eastern Tibet. He was convicted on false charges and sentenced to death in December 2002, with a two year reprieve. He could be executed by the Chinese government in December 2004. By participating in the actions below, you can help save Tenzin Delek's life. In April 2002, the Chinese authorities in Lithang, Eastern Tibet, arrested Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and his distant relative Lobsang Dhondup, a former monk. Both were accused of involvement in bombings and explosions. On December 2nd, 2002, Lobsang Dhondup was sentenced to immediate death, and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was sentenced to death with a suspension of two years. Ten other Tibetans were also either arrested or disappeared in connection to the case; at least four remain imprisoned, detained, or missing. It is believed that all these men are being targeted because of their connection to Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. More than 100 people have fled the area because they feared harsh treatment or imprisonment. According to Human Rights Watch, "For more than 10 years, Tenzin Delek struggled to develop social, medical, educational and religious institutions for the impoverished nomadic Tibetan communities in Sichuan province. He also worked to preserve the area’s fragile ecological balance in the face of unbridled logging and mining activities." Rinpoche was also an advocate of the Dalai Lama's philosophy of nonviolence. Because of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's influence in his community, and his efforts to preserve Tibetan identity, the Chinese authorities view him as a threat to their control in the region. Over the course of a decade, he was the target of increasing harassment, intimidation, and control by Chinese officials. The Chinese government did not present credible evidence against Tenzin Delek Rinpoche or any of the Tibetans detained. They were denied access to independent lawyers and did not have a fair trial. Because of massive international outcry about the case, the Chinese authorities assured international governments that Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and Lobsang Dhondup would receive a thorough retrial in China’s Supreme Court. However on January 26, 2003, after a secret retrial in the Provincial Court, Lobsang Dhondup was executed, in the first known execution of a Tibetan for political crimes in 20 years, and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s 2-year suspended death sentence was upheld. -------------- This man is a life-long advocate of nonviolence and social justice. To try to portray him as a man of violence is absurd. To execute him on false charges is nothing less than cold-blooded murder. Join thousands of others around the world calling for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's death sentence to be overturned and for his immediate release from prison. You can send a letter to Minister Fusen Zhang here: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/SaveTenzin This page will give you links to write to members of government http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=460 Please forward this to everyone you know. Let's send the Chinese government an outcry so loud they won't be able to hide. Let's make our governments walk their talk on human rights. Let's all of us continue to pray and work for freedom and justice for Tibet, and all the world. Blessings, Terri [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joanna B.	I SIGNED November 15, 2004 11:03 AM I remember when I heard that for the first time, I still believe as many of you do I am sure, that he was obviously framed by someone/people with power. How easy is it to claim someone who will not use violence or believe in it, of a crime? No one in their right mind would believe it. At least I would hope not. Thanks Terri for the post. I hope all of us here sign it.....which I am sure all did And I hope an pray that this works!!!! [ send green star]
Yarong R.	thanks November 22, 2004 5:06 AM Dear Terri and Joanna. thanks for take a action for free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, it is coming nearly. plz save Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. In April 2002, the Chinese authorities in Lithang, Eastern Tibet, arrested Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and his distant relative Lobsang Dhondup, a former monk. Both were accused of involvement in bombings and explosions. On December 2nd, 2002, Lobsang Dhondup was sentenced to immediate death, and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was sentenced to death with a suspension of two years. Ten other Tibetans were also either arrested or disappeared in connection to the case; at least four remain imprisoned, detained, or missing. It is believed that all these men are being targeted because of their connection to Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. More than 100 people have fled the area because they feared harsh treatment or imprisonment. According to Human Rights Watch, "For more than 10 years, Tenzin Delek struggled to develop social, medical, educational and religious institutions for the impoverished nomadic Tibetan communities in Sichuan province. He also worked to preserve the area’s fragile ecological balance in the face of unbridled logging and mining activities." Rinpoche was also an advocate of the Dalai Lama's philosophy of nonviolence. Because of Tenzin Delek RInpoche's influence in his community, and his efforts to preserve Tibetan identity, the Chinese authorities view him as a threat to their control in the region. Over the course of a decade, he was the target of increasing harassment, intimidation, and control by Chinese officials. The Chinese government did not present credible evidence against Tenzin Delek Rinpoche or any of the Tibetans detained. They were denied access to independent lawyers and did not have a fair trial. Because of massive international outcry about the case, the Chinese authorities assured international governments that Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and Lobsang Dhondup would receive a thorough retrial in China’s Supreme Court. However on January 26, 2003, after a secret retrial in the Provincial Court, Lobsang Dhondup was executed, in the first known execution of a Tibetan for political crimes in 20 years, and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s 2-year suspended death sentence was upheld. learn more on this link. click here http://hrw.org/english/docs/2004/02/06/china7278.htm tenzin rapjor [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joanna B.	Question.... November 22, 2004 9:46 AM I have a question, are they seriously going through with Tenzin's execution this December? [ send green star]
Yarong R.	November 23, 2004 3:47 AM i dont think so they can.... [ send green star] [ accepted]
Amandha V.	Canadian Tibet Committee November 29, 2004 11:03 AM Hi there, I have been working to help this cause (as well as the plight of Tibetans) for a little while now. From the Canadian Tibet Committee we (I've been urging whomever I know to mail one) have been sending postcards to Mr. Pettigrew, Minister of Foreign Affairs to free Tenzin Rinpoche. I just wish there was more media attention! THe louder the voice, the better change we have, I feel. I also feel that if we put positive intention (call it prayer if you will) that he will be spared and released, we can put use energy to our advantage. Any ideas for a mass prayer gathering? Blessings, Amandha www.sustainablespirit.org [ send green star] [ accepted]
Amanda M.	Edinburgh UK update November 30, 2004 6:52 AM I went to a talk at Edinburgh University last night held by the Free Tibet Campaign about Tenzin Delek, and were spoken to by Lobsang Tempa, a friend and student of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, who was imprisoned along with Tenzin and tortured many years ago. Many people here have also signed the petition and a vigil is being held outside the Chinese Embassy all night tomorrow night (1st December) and the petitions will be given to the embassy 2nd December. Apparently no lawyers, doctors, family or anyone have been allowed to see or speak to Tenzin Delek since about January last year? So nobody knows his condition, or the likelihood of his sentence being commuted to life, if not dropped. However, the campaigners did say that 13 Tibetans have so far either had their executions stayed, or their sentences reduced due to international lobbying to the Chinese government, as their government want to look to do the right thing internationally as China joins the common market. Lobsang Tempa continues his tour of Europe, he is speaking at the Scottish Parliament today, as a cross-party document is being signed (by members of ALL political parties represented in Scotland) and sent to the Chinese foreign minister, displaying that ANY political party in power in Scotland will expect to watch China's human rights abuses, and the case of Tenzin Delek in particular, and the many others like him. Lobsang ends his tour next week in time to speak at the EU summit with China, so keep sending out the petition. We still have time to save someone's life! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joanna B.	Thanks November 30, 2004 9:07 AM for the info and update. So tonight is the vigil? Or Dec. 1st? [ send green star]
Amanda M.	Oops! December 03, 2004 1:59 AM It was Dec 1st Joanna, sorry I didn't write back I have been offline a couple of days. There have been actions all over the world, if you haven't checked it out today, ALL should see the international actions at -> http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=487 it is so awe inspiring! I have a real sense of hope that we CAN save Tenzin Delek's life. Hopefully Tenzin R can update us on the feeling in Dharamsala?? Or anyone else, have you visited a protest? This is an International Week of Action for Tenzin Delek, so find a local event, sign your name and perhaps Tenzin Delek will be able to feel the power of our love, as the peoples of many countries unite to save a very special life. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joanna B.	That link December 03, 2004 1:16 PM Is so awesome. It really warmed me to see all those people from ALL over the world, come together to save an innocent man. It really does give you hope in our species. Thanks so much for that link. I really hope everyone checks it out!!!!! [ send green star]
Amandha V.	Contact Info for Action December 03, 2004 2:38 PM Hello Everyone, I just thought to post this info from an email I received. Blessings... Please call the Chinese embassy in the United States (Washington DC) at +1-202-328-2500. Choose extension #9 (Political Affairs), but if that doesn't work any other extension is fine. If the number stops working, please call +1-202-328-2551. Keep time zones in mind and try to call between 9am and 5pm EST (mornings are best). Tell them: - You are calling about a Tibetan political prisoner, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. - Tenzin Delek faces execution in the next few weeks for crimes that he did not commit. - You are asking that the Chinese President, Hu Jintao, free him now. - Ask the person you are speaking to to make sure that this message gets conveyed to the Ambassador, Yang Jiechi. **If you reach an answering machine, please leave a message. Say you are calling to tell the Ambassador that China must free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and overturn his death sentence. At some point they may disconnect the number. If you can't get through, please call +1-202-328-2551. Keep up the great work and please send us your photos and stories of your actions for Tenzin Delek. Mail them to: campaigns@studentsforafreetibet.org ...and remember to check out the Week of Action page on the SFT website - http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/tdrweek org/tdrweek Together we will free Tenzin Delek. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joanna B.	Thanks for joining December 03, 2004 4:16 PM Thanks for that Amandha!!!! I tried calling earlier and it didn't work. But I will try again!!! [ send green star]
Amanda M.	every day is one step closer December 09, 2004 1:24 AM Amandha is right, keep checking back to the www.studentsforafreetibet.org website, or give them your email address and they will email you every day with a different embassy to contact, so we have the maximum effect possible. I have phoned the Chinese and New Zealand embassies and each phonecall lasted no more than 30 seconds so it doesn't have to cost you a fortune. "We have some good news to report! Yesterday, the US Senate unanimously passed a resolution calling for Tenzin Delek's release. This is the result of your work and others like you - congratulations! Click here to see the text of the resolution. " [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joanna B.	WOOOWHOOOO December 09, 2004 9:29 AM That is WONDERFUL news Amanda. I am SOOO happy to hear that that I can't stop cheering. I can actually say that I am proud of the US Senate for a change. WOOOOWHOOOO!!! [ send green star]
Cheryl Sunshine B.	HELP FREE SPIRITUAL TIBETEN LEADERS FROM CHINA April 01, 2005 12:53 PM April's arrival brings with it two meaningful dates for Tibetans: the 3rd anniversary of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's arrest, and the 16th birthday of the Panchen Lama, who has been imprisoned for ten years. You can help free them by taking action this month. Background: Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was taken from his monastery by Chinese police in a nighttime raid on April 7th, 2002. He was held for almost eight months before being sentenced to death in December. This January, after massive international pressure, his death sentence was commuted to life in prison. In a tape recording smuggled out of prison in January 2003, Rinpoche said, "I was wrongly accused because I have always been sincere and devoted to the interests and well-being of Tibetans. The Chinese did not like what I did and what I said. That is the only reason why I was arrested." Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, Tibet's 11th Panchen Lama, was adbucted on May 17th, 1995, along with his parents. The Chinese government admitted in 1996 that they are holding him in "protective custody." The Panchen Lama is one of Tibet's most important spiritual leaders. He is growing up under house arrest. Numerous requests from governments, human rights organizations, and the United Nations to see him have been denied, and his health and whereabouts are unknown. The Chinese government appointed another boy as the Panchen Lama in place of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. He is kept in Beijing and appears periodically at official functions. What you can do: 1. Commemorate April 7th by sending a card of sympathy and good wishes to Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, care of the authorities in Beijing. Be aware that your card will be read by Chinese officials. It may never reach Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, but it will convey a different sort of message to the Chinese government. Send to: Tenzin Delek Rinpoche c/o Minister of Justice Zhang Fusen Sifabu 10 Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyangqu Beijingshi 100020 People's Republic of China 2. Mark the Panchen Lama's birthday, April 25th, by bringing more people into the campaign for his release. Hold an event on that day to raise awarness about his plight: table at your school with information and action suggestions, show a video to your friends and family, or order postcards for his release. - Purchase "Tibet's Stolen Child," a documentary about the Panchen Lama, at http://www.garthgrif.com/purchase.html - [US residents only] Order "Panchen Lama Pacts," a booklet of postcards, by emailing campaigns@studentsforafreetibet.org with your name and address. - Download a petition: to the UN Commissioner for Human Rights - http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/downloads/PanchenLamapetitionUN.doc; or to the Secretary of State (US residents only) http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/downloads/PanchenLamapetition.doc; You can find more information and ways to help Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and Gedhun Choekyi Nyima at http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?list=type&type=13. Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this. Tell-a-friend! If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Students for a Free Tibet's Action Center. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Tracey S.	April 11, 2005 1:38 AM Thanks for inviting me to this forum, for which the cause is close to my heart! http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/downloads/TenQuickFacts.doc These quick facts were ones I knew, just posted them here for ant newcomers that may want a breif synopsis! How handy! But I was wondering, do I contact Condeleeza Rice in order to get my messeage to Chinese officials? There so behind! They need to have a websight with a "bit@#" button for international users, so that I could write in Chinese an be a rage-a-holic! Those emperialists! Tyrrants! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Joel C.	Hey, Tracey! April 11, 2005 4:05 AM Nice to see you here. Go Tibet! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Terri S.	April 25, 2005 10:09 AM Today, April 25, 2005, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, Tibet's 11th Panchen Lama turns 16 years old. He has not been seen or heard from in almost ten years, since he and his family were abducted by the Chinese government. In 1995, at age 6, His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, Tibet's second most important spiritual leader. Shorty thereafter, the young child and his family were detained by the Chinese authorities. China has denied all requests by world leaders to visit him. Historically, the Panchen Lama has played a pivotal role in identifying the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, and vice versa. Seeking yet another means of controlling Tibetans, the Chinese government selected a different child as the 11th Panchen Lama after removing Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Their selection, a Tibetan boy named Gyaltsen Norbu, is being used as a Tibetan mouthpiece for the Chinese Communist Party. He is another young victim in China's efforts to undermine and control the Tibetan people, their religion, and their nation. Today, Tibetans and supporters around the world will hold demonstrations, rallies and vigils, calling for the release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and for his return to his rightful seat in Tashilhunpo Monastery. Please join in their call by sending a message to the Chinese government, urging them to free Gedhun Choekyi Nyima now. http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/panchenlama05?rk=Zdqf7Os1RXLxW [ send green star] [ accepted]
Andy L.	April 27, 2005 11:13 PM Chinese government sucks! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Teresa S.	Tenzin Free..... July 25, 2005 2:04 AM I Signed. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Susan E.	time for an update.. nothing new!! ?? December 03, 2005 3:14 AM well.. got this in my mailbox.. plis act.. http://www.savetibet.org/campaigns/politicalprisoners/petitionbarrylowenkron.php Take Action for Tibetan Political Prisoners on International Human Rights Day! Three years ago today, a respected Buddhist leader in Tibet, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, was unjustly sentenced to death for "incitement to separatism". His case stirred an international controversy for its lack of evidence and due process, including access to counsel, earlier this year, in Tenzin Delek's death sentence being commuted to life imprisonment. But Tenzin Delek remains in a Chinese prison for a crime he did not commit. He has reportedly been tortured and his physical condition has deteriorated. Last year, Phuntsog Nyidron, one of Tibet's most prominent political prisoners and the longest serving female political prisoner, was released from Lhasa's notorious Drapchi Prison. Sentenced in 1989 to 17 years for peacefully expressing her devotion to Tibet and the Dalai Lama, Nyidron underwent extreme beatings during her imprisonment. Phuntsog Nyidron (center) with USCIRF Commissioners in August 2005. Photo: USCIRF In August, a delegation of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom met with Nyidron in Lhasa, Tibet, and subsequently reported that she now has "debilitating health problems that required special medical attention and limited her ability to make a living as a farmer in the village where she now resides". Unable to address these health concerns because of a lack of money and restrictions on her movement, the delegation recommended that China issue her a passport immediately to facilitate needed medical treatment. We know that the decisions not to execute Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and to release Phuntsog Nyidron were influenced by the immense amount of international pressure placed on the Chinese government over these cases. But both individuals continue to face grave risks due to their mistreatment in prison. As we count down to International Human Rights Day on December 10, we must be mindful that China's poor history of human rights remains a key issue and one which must be addressed. Act now! Call on the new US Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor to be uncompromising in his efforts to promote democracy and human rights in China and, specifically, to help secure Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's release and travel documentation for Phuntsog Nyidron. With thanks, ICT Campaigns Team [ send green star] [ accepted]
Colleen B.	December 19, 2005 5:54 PM I just signed the petition at the original site posted (http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/SaveTenzin), which is now a petition to free Tenzin from his unjust imprisonment. It is fortunate that he's no longer scheduled to be executed, but he is still facing a long imprisonment for the "crimes" he was unjustly convicted of by the Chinese government. In addition to writing to leaders of the U.S. government, as suggested above, please sign the new petition to the Chinese government (if you haven't already), which thanks its officials for not executing Tenzin, but asks them to take that one step further and free Tenzin from his imprisonment for good. Namaste, Colleen [ send green star] [ accepted]
Colleen B.	petition to the Chinese government December 19, 2005 5:55 PM I just signed the petition at the original site posted (http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/SaveTenzin), which is now a petition to free Tenzin from his unjust imprisonment. It is fortunate that he's no longer scheduled to be executed, but he is still facing a long imprisonment for the "crimes" he was unjustly convicted of by the Chinese government. In addition to writing to leaders of the U.S. government, as suggested above, please sign the new petition to the Chinese government (if you haven't already), which thanks its officials for not executing Tenzin, but asks them to take that one step further and free Tenzin from his imprisonment for good. Namaste, Colleen [ send green star] [ accepted]
Jenny D.	I signed March 15, 2006 10:16 AM Thanks for the link. I've signed. best wishes, Jenny [ send green star] [ accepted]
Mark B.	June 14, 2006 2:12 PM Thanks. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Rania A.	June 21, 2006 10:16 PM signed [ send green star] [ accepted]
Wanda S.	April 12, 2007 9:24 AM some pictures of Tibet: http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=9754&pst=693910 [ send green star] [ accepted]
Renee W.	Hiya June 23, 2007 6:29 PM I just joined~My name is Renee' and I just signed the letter and sent it off to help Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. There is a huge discussion in the group The Round Table about if people should Boycott China or not..It would be great if loads of you would get on there and tell them WHY China SHOULD BE boycotted. After what they have done to Tibet I think its only warrented. [ send green star] [ accepted]
anonymous	other websites on Tibet August 04, 2007 4:58 PM Hello - I thought of including a webpage I have about Tibet. It may not be so up to date but is still relevant, I feel. It is: http://macdonaldbayne.homestead.com/MiscNotes.html Is Tenzin still not free, is he alive? Am wondering about the latest news. - bye, Lora [report anonymous abuse] [ accepted]
Ben O.	... April 20, 2008 10:42 AM ...I only wish that I was co-host in this group, so I could remove the blue pin on this thread! (It has been blue-pinned for NINE MONTHS!) I have tried several times to get in contact with the host Jennifer, but have not heard from her since I became a member. Sorry Folks! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Dominique C.	Tenzin Delek Rinpoche April 20, 2008 11:14 AM Hello Ben Originally I'm the one who posted this petition. It 's one of the campaigns of Students for a Free Tibet. Take Action to Free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Death sentence has been commuted -- now we work to FREE TENZIN On January 26th 2003, twenty-eight year old Lobsang Dhondup was executed by Chinese authorities and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's death sentence was upheld. Both men were wrongly arrested and convicted for their alleged involvement in a series of unsolved bombings in Eastern Tibet. Following an intense international campaign by Tibetans and supporters, Tenzin Delek's sentence was commuted to life in prison. China wants this innocent Tibetan monk disapear. You can help make sure this doesn't happen. *Join the Tenzin Delek FaceJam:* FaceJamming is a form of public activism, similar to culture jamming. By displaying images of Tenzin Delek's image everywhere we are showing popular support for his release and jamming the Chinese government’s message that he is a criminal. Click here for ideas on how you can join the FaceJam. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Campaign By participating in the actions below, supporters worldwide have helped save Tenzin Delek's life. Now, we are campaigning for his release, click on the links below for ways that you can help. Click here to download the Free Tenzin flash movie. Spread the world by posting this link on your blog or website Click here to order Free Tenzin Delek postcards. A small donation of $5-10 dollars will help to cover the cost of shipping, please click here to donate online. FaceJam the Planet with Tenzin Delek Raise awareness for Tenzin Delek's release by showing China that the world is watching. Help make sure Tenzin Delek's image is everywhere. Download an image of Tenzin Delek's face. (You need Acrobate Reader to view these) Send us photos of Tenzin Delek's image with you, or that you have put in different places, especially with recognizable landmarks, so that we can show the Chinese government that his image is everywhere. SFT does not encourage or condone the defacement of public or private property. Please do not put this image on sidewalks, signs, buildings, buses, Chinese government offices, parking garages, etc. Please do put this image on t-shirts, signs etc. Educate others about Tenzin Delek's plight* Click here to order postcards (please include your mailing address) and Download a petition to raise awareness of Tenzin Delek's release Write to the decision makers: [ send green star] [ accepted]
Dominique C.	petition might still be available, let me check ! April 20, 2008 11:16 AM Campaign Unavailable We're sorry, this alert is no longer available. The short explanation of this alert was: Saved, but not Free - After two years of advocacy by thousands of people around the world, Chinese authorities commuted Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's death sentence to a life in prison sentence on January 26th, 2005. In April 2002, the revered Buddhist leader and educator from Eastern Tibet was arrested by Chinese authorities and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. Pressure from individuals has achieved the first step: stopping his execution. Now, we must make sure this innocent man doesn't spend his life in prison. Help us free Tenzin! Fill out the fields at the right to send a letter asking the Chinese government to release Tenzin now. Click here more information on how you can help to Free Tenzin. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Dominique C.	Original petition :) April 20, 2008 11:28 AM Well, here you are ! I had posted this petiton on Care2 and I found it, still on the petition site To the Top/Sign Petition Email this petition to your friends Note: This FreeTenzin Delek Rinpoche petition was submitted by Dominique Cloutier. ThePetitionSite.com is a free service provided to help concerned citizens rally support for issues they believe in. The opinions expressed by this petition do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ThePetitionSite.com or Care2.com. There is no express or implied endorsement of this petition nor any newsletter offers (except those from Care2.com) by Care2.com, Inc, ThePetitionSite.com, or our sponsors. If you believe this system is being abused, please contact customer support. Questions about this petition? Contact the petition sponsor: Dominique Cloutier. Questions about thePetitionSite.com? Visit our FAQ Page. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Dominique C.	the petition itself, not just the site ! April 20, 2008 11:30 AM FreeTenzin Delek Rinpoche A respected Buddhist leader in the Tibetan region of Kham (Sichuan Province), Tenzin Delek has been targeted by the Chinese authorities because of his dedication to preserving Tibetan religion and culture, and his support for the Dalai Lama. He was arrested in April 2002 and sentenced to death, with a two-year suspension, on 2 December 2002 after an unfair judicial process. He had been charged, with Lobsang Dhondup, of "splittist activities" and being involved in "causing explosions." At least ten (10) other Tibetans were detained in connection with this case and two still remain in prison. China has produced no evidence to support the accusations against Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. After immense international pressure, governments expressed their strong concern to the Chinese authorities about these cases. The Chinese government assured the US and the European Union that Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and Lobsang Dhondup would receive a fair and open retrial. However, in a shocking development, the Chinese authorities held the retrial in secret and EXECUTED LOBSANG DHONDUP ON JANUARY 26, 2003. This is the first known execution of a Tibetan for political crimes in 20 years. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's death sentence was upheld in this same secret trial. PLEASE TAKE ACTION! Tenzin Delek Rinpoche could be executed as soon as December 2nd 2004. Pressure must be applied to the Chinese authorities to remove Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's death sentence and to provide the opportunity for a free and fair re-trial. This trial should be open to impartial independent observers and allow Rinpoche to select his own legal counsel. 1. Write to the Chinese Government Let the Chinese Minister of Justice and the Ambassador to Canada know that we are watching the events unfolding in Tibet. Ask them to lift Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's death sentence and to conduct an independent re-trial that could be observed by impartial international observers. Download the following letter, sign and send immediately to the Minister of Justice. Download the following petition, get signatures and send immediately to the Chinese Ambassador to Canada. 2. Write to the Canadian Government You can also help Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's case by writing to the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs. Ask Pierre Pettigrew to raise Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's case with China and press for the above requests. Download the following letter, sign and send immediately to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Download the following petition, get signatures and send immediately to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. For more information on Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, please visit: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2004/02/06/china7278.htm http://www.savetenzin.org [ send green star] [ accepted]