Dear John,

Today marks an important birthday for all who believe in human rights and
religious freedom, for Tibetan Buddhists worldwide and, in particular, for our
brothers and sisters in Tibet.

On April 25, 1989, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was born in Lhari county, Tibet.
At age 6, he was identified as the 11th
Panchen Lama by the 14th Dalai Lama, making him one of the most important
Buddhist leaders in the world.

But three days after his selection, the Chinese government kidnapped him and his
family; they have never been seen in public since. This innocent child
was the youngest prisoner of conscience in history.

In November that year, China’s atheist Communist Party added insult to tragedy
when it appointed its own Panchen Lama, making a mockery of Tibetan Buddhist
practices.

To mark the 31st birthday of the true Panchen Lama and to rededicate our work
for his release, we’re sharing with you a video message from the abbot of Tashi Lhunpo
Monastery,
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which has been the Panchen Lamas’ home monastery for centuries. Following
China’s occupation of Tibet, the monastery was reestablished in southern India.



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A special video message to ICT supporters from the abbot of Tashi Lhunpo
Monastery



As we approach this year’s 25th anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s abduction, we hope you will join us
as we continue to advocate for his release.
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And we ask that you stay with us in the vital struggle to make sure that Tibetan
Buddhists—and not Chinese Communists—get to select their own religious leaders.

In solidarity,

Matteo Mecacci
President

P.S. After you watch the video, please take action by signing ICT’s petition to Vice
President Mike Pence asking him to make greater efforts to push for the Panchen
Lama's release.
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International Campaign for Tibet [[link removed]]
1825 Jefferson Place NW | Washington, DC 20036 | United States of America
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Phone: (202) 785-1515 | Fax: (202) 785-4343 | [email protected] [[email protected]]



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