Geneva: The German Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Frank Schwabe, has called on the Chinese Government to release the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, also known as Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and to stop interfering in the religious practices of Tibetan Buddhism, including in the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Marking the 30 years of enforced disappearance, the Commissioner has issued a strong statement of condemnation against the Chinese government for abducting the 11th Panchen Lama Gedun Choekyi Nyima and his family.

“To the Government of China: release the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima. Ensure that Tibetan Buddhists can practice their religion in accordance with international human rights standards. This includes the recognition of the next Dalai Lama according to traditional methods – and not the interference of the CCP in reincarnation,” noted Commissioner Frank Schwabe.

Referring to the massive repression of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government, Commissioner Schwabe has noted that “the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has not succeeded in eradicating Tibetan cultural and religious ident...