On April 25, 2024, Estonian parliamentary members gathered at Tsuglagkhang in Dharamsala to mark the 35th birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima, and express their concerns regarding his well-being. The press conference was organized by Estonian delegates and the Tibet Support Group, advocating for his release from China.
The press event included Juku Kalle Raid, a member of the Estonian Parliament and its Foreign Affairs Commission; Jenn Polluaas, former Speaker of the Estonian Parliament; Tarmo Tamm, another parliamentary member; and Andres Herkel, a former member and journalist. The group openly requested China to release the Panchen Lama, emphasizing the significance of the issue to Estonia and Europe.
According to Juku Kalle Raid, the chairman of the Estonian Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, Estonia’s connection with Tibet is strengthened by their shared experiences of foreign occupation. “Despite the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in, it is imperative that we continue to progress and refrain from regressing or remaining stagnant. The system deems the violation of human rights and the act of forced occupation as illegitimate,” said Raid during the press conference, as reported by Tibet.net.
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The delegation also highlighted the broader implications of the Panchen Lama‘s situation, stating it was a global matter involving human rights violations and unlawful occupation. During the press conference, as mentioned by Tibet.net, Raid stressed the importance of European countries recognizing the self-determination of the Tibetan people and urged China to stop interfering in Tibetan affairs.
A Q&A session followed, where media representatives discussed the urgency of the situation. Raid explained, “As His Holiness mentioned today (during their private audience with His Holiness), the issue at hand is not just about the Panchen Lama; it is a global matter involving unlawful acts, forced occupation, and the violations of human rights. We are committed to raising awareness on these issues in the European Parliament.”
Furthermore, Raid linked his distrust of authoritarian regimes to his experiences under Soviet rule, emphasizing the need for transparent governance and the protection of human rights.
The press conference served as a platform for the Estonian delegation to voice their concerns about the ongoing repression in Tibet and the plight of the Panchen Lama. With the European Parliament elections approaching, the members hope to bring more attention to these issues, advocating for a unified stance against the violations occurring in Tibet. As reported by Tibet.net, this gathering underscores a continuous commitment to supporting Tibet and addressing significant international human rights concerns.
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