PRESS RELEASE

8 August 1995

The Human Rights Desk has received a report from Tibet via Nepal on August 7, 1995, stated that since His Holiness the Dalai Lama's announcement of reincarnation of the Late Panchen Lama, the Chinese authorities in Tibet have tightened control over Tibetan activities. According to the report the situation is worse in Shigatse.

Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse, the monks were ordered to denounce the incarnate young Panchen Lama and several monks who are holding important posts are under particular pressure to publicly refute His Holiness the Dalai Lama's recognition of the Panchen Lama. Consequently, Ven. Wangdu, a care-taker of the IXth Panchen Lama's mausoleum-stupa committed suicide on July 24, 1995, as he could not endure the pressure mounting on him to criticize and denounce the young incarnate Panchen Lama announced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. About sixty monks and twenty lay people have been detained in Nyara prison in Shigatse as a result of July 11 incident in the Tashi Lhunpo monastery where they demanded to release of Chadrel Rinpoche, the head of the "Search Committee" and the minor Panchen Lama. Those who are detained have been questioned about their political inclinations.

Therefore, the Human Rights Desk is appealing to the international community to intervene and pressure the Chinese authorities in Tibet to stop the arbitrary detention, arrest and, coerced denouncements and criticisms.

Please write to:

President of Xizang Autonomous Regional People's Government

Gyaltsen Norbu Zhuxi Xizang ZIzhiqu Renmin Zhengfu

1 Kang`andonglu, Lhasashi 850000 Xizang Zizhiqu, (PRC)

THE HUMAN RIGHTS DESK Department of Information and International Relations Central Tibetan Administration Gangchen Kyishong

Dharamsala 176 215 INDIA