Richard Gere’s photography spotlights repression in Tibet[Thursday, 23 June 2011, 9:49 a.m.]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (L) chats with actor and Tibetan rights activist Richard Gere (C), and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi 17 October 2007 in front of the Capitol during festivities in Washington, DC/File photo

DHARAMSHALA:
Hollywood star Richard Gere, who is a practicing Buddhist and a
longtime supporter of Tibetans’ right for justice and freedom,
criticised the Chinese government for inflicting cruelty on Tibetans.Gere
is in Seoul to promote a Tibet-themed exhibition of photos taken by
him. The exhibition “Pilgrim: Photography by Richard Gere” continues
through 24 July at V-Gallery, Seoul Arts Center. “I think it’s
impossible to look at these photographs and not realise the
extraordinary suffering of the Tibetan people. There’s one really
strong image there that is undeniable,” he said at the opening of the
exhibition on Wednesday.He said the Chinese government is torturing and killing Tibetan people in Tibet.“I
must say I felt very emotional seeing these photographs, because they
really are a part of my very deep and intimate experience with my
Tibetan brothers and sisters… The organisers did a beautiful job
framing them.”He also mentioned special connections with Korea via His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has many cherished Korean disciples.He
noted the transmission of Buddhism from the Himalayan region to Korea,
where it “obviously had such a rich and deep impact on Korean culture.”
He said. ”I’m very happy to be here and see the beautiful country for
the first time.”-Compiled from The Korea Times and AP reports