Panchen Lama turns 36 under China’s continued detention

International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) marked the 36th birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, by renewing its call for his release. Recognized by the Dalai Lama in 1995, the then-six-year-old Panchen Lama was abducted by Chinese authorities and has not been seen since. ICT condemned his disappearance as a clear violation of China’s own constitution and a symbol of its repression of Tibetan religious freedom. The group urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the international community to press Beijing for accountability and the Panchen Lama’s return to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.