(Facilitator: Michelle Ridlen)
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was kidnapped by the Chinese authorities just 2 months after he was officially recognized in May, 1995 as the Panchen Lama, one of Tibet's most important religious leaders. He was only 6 years old at the time of his abduction. The Chinese government installed another young boy in his place, in an attempt to exert control over Tibetans through him. Tibetans refuse to acknowledge this boy as their religious leader. To date, China has denied all requests from the international community to see the real Panchen Lama, and his whereabouts are unknown.
Geographical Scope: International Added on 09-28-2004 Updated on 11-12-2004 |
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