-by Radio Free Asia 

Tibetans who want to get public sector jobs must comply with a harsh Chinese rule requiring them to denounce the Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

The move would seem to violate China’s constitution, which officially protects the freedom of religion.

An official directive from Beijing released this month advertised 554 new public job opportunities in the city of Sigatse (in Chinese Xigaze) for its Village Development Expansion Program. It sought college graduates from the Tibet Autonomous Region with training in medicine, counseling and village development.

Those applying for these jobs must be “trustworthy and reliable citizens,” renounce the Dalai Lama, refrain from separatism and remain loyal to the ruling Chinese Communist Party, the directive said.

Beijing accuses the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, who lives in exile in India, of supporting terrorism and trying to split Tibet from China, labeling him a separatist.

However, the Dalai Lama supports a policy called the “Middle Way,” which accepts Tibet’s status as a part of China but urges greater cultural and religious freedoms.

China’s constitution states that “no state organ, public organization or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or not believe in, any religion; nor may they discriminate against citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion.

However, in practice, the government often exerts its influence over religious matters.

Requiring job applicants to denounce the Dalai Lama is a common tactic of the Chinese government to oppress Tibetans, said Pema Gyal, a researcher at the London-based Tibet Watch. Click here to read more.