28 April 2006
China denies young Panchen Lama is political prisoner
Reuters) Three days after Gendun Choekyi Nyima’s 17th birthday on 25 April, China condemned exiled Tibetans and international human rights groups for calling the boy recognized in 1995 by the Dalai Lama as the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama the ‘world's youngest political prisoner’, saying their aim is to push for independence for the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Gendun Choekyi Nyima is believed to be under house arrest since he disappeared shortly after his recognition by the Dalai Lama. His whereabouts are unknown. Events were staged across the world on 25 April to protest against his alleged detention. In reply to questions submitted by Reuters, the State Council Information Office said China had not arranged meetings between the boy and foreign organisations or media out of respect for the family's wishes not to be disturbed. "Exiled Tibetan splittist elements and some foreign organisations with ulterior motives have been whipping up opinion that Gendun Choekyi Nyima is the world's youngest political prisoner", the cabinet spokesman's office said in a statement. "Their objective is to split China, sabotage ethnic unity and internationalise the Tibet issue to serve Tibetan independence". The cabinet spokesman's office said Nyima was "no reincarnation of the Panchen Lama" and was "just an ordinary boy belonging to China's Tibetan ethnic group". "According to the wishes of his family, meetings with foreign organisations, the media and others have not been arranged to avoid disturbing him and his family's normal life", the office said.