The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan
May 17th marks 26 years since Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama and second most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, was abducted by the Chinese government. Aged just six, the Panchen Lama was taken along with his family after the 14th Dalai Lama recognized him as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. He has since been described as the world’s youngest political prisoner. His whereabouts remain unknown despite repeated inquiries from foreign parties.
Dr. Arya Tsewang Gyalpo, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan & East Asia, will come to the FCCJ and discuss the release of a new book on this case. The press conference is a rare opportunity to review not just the background to this infamous abduction, but the Chinese occupation of the Tibetan region, which began in 1950. His appearance also comes as Tibetans worldwide prepare for a world without the aging Dalai Lama, who stepped back from his political role in 2011.
How to attend:
Please register at [email protected] with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions attendance will be limited to 20 people. Doors open 30 minutes before the event. Please sign in, giving your name and contact details at the reception, and have your temperature taken before proceeding.