Tibetan Exile Community and Tibet Groups Worldwide Hold Protests Calling for Inquiry into Fate of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, as Concerns Rise Ahead of Xi Jinping’s Vietnam Visit

11 April – Global Tibet groups today expressed their profound concern and are calling for a full and transparent investigation into the death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a highly respected Tibetan lama, who died under suspicious circumstances in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in late March 2025. [1]

Tulku Hungkar Dorje, 56, had reportedly sought refuge in Vietnam after facing harassment from Chinese authorities in Tibet due to his leadership in preserving Tibetan language and identity. According to multiple sources, Tulku Hungkar Dorje was arrested in Ho Chi Minh City on 25 March in an operation allegedly involving both Vietnamese police and Chinese agents. He died just days later while reportedly in custody. Vietnamese authorities claimed he died of a heart attack, but his family received no documentation or access to the body. The complete absence of transparency has triggered widespread concern among Tibetans and human rights groups globally.

Adding to the urgency of the situation, the International Tibet Network expresses deep concern over the timing of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s scheduled state visit to Vietnam from April 14-15. This visit raises fears that any potential investigation into Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s death could be compromised or overshadowed by political considerations and bilateral relations between Vietnam and China.

In response to the lack of clarity surrounding his death, Tibetan exile communities and Tibet support groups worldwide are organising and holding protests to mourn his passing and to demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances.

Golog Tsering, cousin of Tulku Hungkar Dorje said, “Tibetans in Tibet live under constant fear, the same fear that Rinpoche has faced in his lifetime preserving Tibetan language and culture. He was one of the few who gave us hope and strength with quiet courage. When I heard of his death, it felt like a piece of us had been taken. I am asking the world to stand by our family and to stand by justice. The timing of Xi Jinping’s visit makes us fear the worst. We need Rinpoche’s body to be returned so he can be honored in accordance with our tradition.”

Tenzin Yangzom, International Tibet Network said, “The death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje in Vietnam under such questionable circumstances is not just a tragedy–but a moral and political outrage. A respected Tibetan lama was targeted in his homeland, sought safety abroad, only to die under mysterious circumstances. That should alarm the world. As Xi Jinping prepares for a visit, we will not allow silence or diplomacy to bury the truth. Tibetans will not remain silent. We demand justice for Rinpoche, for his family, and for the Tibetan people.”

Topjor Tsultrim, Students for a Free Tibet said, “In the death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, we hear the echoes of the murder of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in 2015, who died in custody of the Chinese government. Tibetan community leaders inside Tibet who work to promote the preservation of Tibetan religion, language, and way of life enjoy a legitimacy among the Tibetan people that the PRC will never have and always fear.”

Golog Jigme, former political prisoner added, “The sudden news of Tulku Hungkar’s death in Vietnam has been deeply troubling. Both the Vietnamese government and Chinese communist regime must hand over his remains to his devoted disciples, and provide a reliable explanation of the cause of his death in accordance with international law.”

Rabga Tashi, Free Tibet said, “This is not just about one Tibetan lama—this is about the weaponization of fear, the silencing of truth, and the erasure of Tibetan identity. Tulku Hungkar Dorje was targeted because he dared to protect our culture. If China is allowed to get away with this, it sets an incredibly dangerous precedent. If we don’t act now, who will? If we stay silent, how many more will be next?”

Tibetans and Tibet supporters urge the international community to support the call for a full and transparent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s death, including the alleged role of both Vietnamese and Chinese authorities in his arrest and subsequent death in custody. The Network emphasizes the need for accountability and transparency in this deeply concerning case, particularly in light of the upcoming high-level visit.

CONTACTS: Mandie McKeown, Executive Director, International Tibet Network +44 7748 158618 mandie@tibetnetwork.org Topjor Tsultrim, Communications Director, Students for a Free Tibet +1 (610) 745-1022 topjortsultrim@studentsforafreetibet.org