By Václav Havel, El Hassan Bin Talal, Desmond Tutu, Yohei Sasakawa, André Glucksmann, and Vartan Gregorian
Prague. On April 8, two Tibetans, Lobsan Gyaltsen and Loyak, were sentenced to death by the Municipal Intermediate People’s Court in Lhasa. Both men were convicted of committing arson that caused death against Chinese owned businesses. Another two Tibetan activists, Tenzin Phuntsok and Kangtsuk, received a suspended death sentence, and a third, Dawa Sangpo was sentenced by the same court to life imprisonment.
These latest verdicts are the first death sentences meted out by Chinese courts to those who took part in protests that swept Lhasa and other Tibetan cities in the spring of 2008. Since these trials took place in complete isolation from the rest of the world, with no impartial observers or foreign journalists present, it is to be doubted, strongly, that the defendants received anything remotely like a fair trial in accordance with international judicial standards.
We therefore appeal to the authorities of the People’s Republic of China to rescind the decision to execute these protesters, and to provide them with an opportunity to be re-tried in a judicial process that is more in keeping with the international standards that China says that it adheres to. And the first standard that must be met is that the trial, first of all, must be verifiable and open to international observation.
But beyond the grim fates of the Tibetans that have now been sentenced by the Tibetan court to death or life imprisonment for the protests that took place a year ago, we are also concerned about the hundreds of other detained protesters who have yet to be tried by the Municipal Court in Lhasa. Indeed, it is our belief that the recent death sentences could mark the onset of an avalanche of highly doubtful Court rulings in Tibet, which could lead to a worrying number of executions in that tense and troubled region.
If China is to gain an international position of respect commensurate with its position in the world economy, as well as to benefit from its rise to pre-eminence among the world economic powers, it is vital that China’s representatives in Tibet acknowledge the need for due legal process for all of its citizens, including its ethnic minorities.
Tied to that sense of due process of law is a call for the Chinese leadership to allow representatives of the international community to have access to Tibet and its adjoining provinces. For these provinces have now been, for the most part, cut off from international observation ever since the protests that wracked Tibet last spring.
Only by making its rule in Tibet more transparent for the rest of the world can the government of the People’s Republic of China dispel the dark shadows of suspicion that now hang over Tibet. Only by allowing an international presence to report, dispassionately and truthfully, on what is happening in Tibet, will China’s government dispel the idea that its continued rule there means that even more severe human rights abuses will be inflicted on members of China’s ethnic minorities.
The authors of this appeal are Václav Havel, a former President of the Czech Republic; Prince Hassan Bin Talal, President of the Arab Thought Forum; Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Vartan Gregorian, a former president of Brown University and President of the Carnegie Council; Yohei Sasakawa, a Japanese philanthropist and André Glucksmann, a French philosopher.
Tibetans and Tibet supporters protest against the 50 years of brutal Chinese regime in Tibet
11th March, 2009, Dublin: Tibetans and Tibet supporters in Ireland marked the 50th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising on the 10th March, 2009 by holding protest demonstrations at the Chinese Embassy in Dublin in the morning and then later in the afternoon at GPO, Dublin City Centre.
(Protesting against Chinese Occupation of Tibet at the Chinese Embassy in Dublin's visa section on 10th March, 2009)
The whole of Tibetan region as big as the size of Western Europe is placed under complete lock down and foreign journalists are barred from entering ahead of the 50th anniversary.Military presence and operations are especially intense in the bigger cities of Tibet, in particular, Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
(Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews during the protest at the GPO on 10th March, 2009)
The protest at the GPO was joined by Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews, a strong support of Tibet. Deputy Andrews, who is also the Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet in Ireland said, "in all Tibetan areas, the Chinese authorities took action to prevent or minimize 10th March demonstration this year by sending in an estimated 20,000 extra soldiers and armed police, imprisoning community leaders, implementing even tighter controls in all monasteries, and denying access to all media and foreign visitors."
“Despite these actions, in recent weeks Tibetans have been risking, and in some cases losing, their lives to protest at Chinese rule. International pressure on the Chinese Government must be maintained if any change is to occur in their treatment of the Tibetan people,” said Deputy Andrews.
Mr. Neil Steedman, Chairman of Tibet Support Group - Ireland said that although the Chinese Government claims that the number of people who died inside Tibet last year is less than 20, according to some sources, at least 5000 Tibetans were killed by the Chinese army in the Kham and Amdo region of Tibet last year.
Mr. Namgyal Damdul, Chairman of Tibetan Community in Ireland said "US Congressional - Executive Commission on China in its 2008 annual report found that the status of more than 1,200 Tibetans who were arrested last year are still unknown. We urge the International Community to press the Chinese government to account for the missing Tibetans."
Tibetans in Ireland protest against Human Rights violations in Tibet
(Tibetans protest at the Chinese Embassy in Dublin on the occasion of 60th International Human Rights Day)
10th December, Dublin: A protest demonstration was held at the Chinese Embassy in Dublin on 10th December, 2008, the 60th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The organizer of the protest, the Tibetan Community in Ireland called for an immediate end to the suppression of human rights in Tibet. It said “this year the world witnessed grave violation of human rights in Tibet, including the killings of hundreds of peaceful Tibetan protesters for demanding human rights in Tibet.” It urged the International Community to play more active role to bring an end to the sufferings of the Tibetan people under the Chinese rule. It specifically called for the withdrawal of Chinese armies from Tibet.
(Tibetans & Tibet Supporters protest at the Visa Section of Chinese Embassy in Dublin on the occasion of 60th International Human Rights Day)
The protest began at about 10 am at the Chinese Embassy at Ailesbury road in Dublin. Mr. Namgyal Damdul, Chairman of Tibetan Community in Ireland said “due to immense military presence and absolute absence of International media, Tibet has become a virtual prison”. The UN Committee against Torture has recently noted the Chinese crackdown during this spring uprising with “great concern” saying it “deepened a climate of fear and further inhibits accountability” in Tibet.
(Mr. Chris Andrews talks during the protest at the Chinese Embassy in Dublin)
Mr. Chris Andrews, Fianna Fail TD and Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet (APPGT) joined the protest at the Chinese Embassy and expressed strong support for the cause of Tibet and assured that he would do his best for the cause.
Tibetans in Ireland fear Tibet plight will worsen
The Irish Times[Thursday, August 07, 2008]
By GENEVIEVE CARBERY
(Tibetans & Tibet Supporters protesting outside the Dublin Chinese Embassy, Dublin on 5th August, 2008)
August
6 - FEARS THAT the situation in Tibet would worsen after the Beijing
Olympics were expressed by members of the Tibetan community in Ireland
yesterday.
(Tibetans & Tibet Supporters singing Tibetan National Anthem during the protest in front of Dublin Chinese Embassy, Ireland)
About a dozen Tibetan exiles protested outside the Chinese embassy in Dublin ahead of the opening of the Games on Friday.
Draped in Tibetan flags, they sang the national anthem and chanted "we want a free Tibet".
They
called on the Chinese government to stop its crackdown on Tibetan
protesters and demanded that thousands of arrested protesters be
released.
(Tibetans during the protest on 5th August, 2008 in front of the new Chinese Visa Section at Merrion Road, Dublin)
"The worst is still to come after the Olympics when
attention of world moves away from China," Namgyal Damdul, chairman of
the Tibetan Community in Ireland, said. "We fear the worst might happen
to those in prisons and they might be given the death penalty," he
said. "We are urging all governments around the world to press China to
release all these prisoners."
Minister for Arts, Sport and
Tourism Martin Cullen is in Beijing and is due to attend the Games on
Friday. The group called on Mr Cullen to put pressure on the Chinese
leadership regarding Tibet.
Last month a spokesman for the
department said Mr Cullen would attend the opening ceremony on the
basis that issues surrounding human rights and Tibet had improved and
had reached resolution.
However, Mr Damdul said there is no resolution and that this statement did not match the facts.
Yesterday,
Fine Gael spokesman on foreign affairs Billy Timmins said statements
about a resolution "are inaccurate and almost no progress has been made
between the Chinese government and the envoys of the Dalai Lama".
Goal chief executive John O'Shea said yesterday that Mr Cullen's attendance was "deplorable".
(Source: http://www.irishtimes.com)
Tibetans and Tibet Supporters hold Candle Light Vigil for Tibetans inside Tibet
Remembering the victims of China’s brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters
in Tibet (TAR & all
Tibetan areas of Sichuan, Qingha,
Gansu & Yunnan
Provinces) since 10th March, 2008, Tibetans and Tibet Supporters in Ireland held Candle Light Vigil and prayers on
20th & 21st June, 2008 at St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin. Tibetans and Tibet
Supporters braved the bitterly cold wind and rain on Saturday, 21st June
to hold prayers for the victims and other Tibetans who have been suffering
under China’s brutal regime for over last six decades.
(Tibetans praying at the St. Stephen's Green, Dublin on Friday, 20th June, 2008)
China
held the Olympic torch relay in Lhasa, the
capital of Tibet on
Saturday, 21st June in an effort to legitimize its rule over Tibet.
Zhang Qingli, the Chinese Communist party secretary in Tibet said “in order to
bring more glory to the Olympic spirit, we should firmly smash the plots to
ruin the Beijing Olympic Games by the Dalai clique and hostile foreign forces
inside and outside of the nation” which clearly highlights China’s effort to
use Olympic for legitimizing its control of Tibet. China’s double standard
policy on separating sports from politics clearly exposed, warranting an IOC
investigation into the matter. If IOC is serious about keeping sports separate
from politics, it must seek an apology from China and also assurances that
Olympic shall never be used for political activities like the use of Tibetan
antelope as one of the Olympic mascot. In the Saturday afternoon, a popular documentary “Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion” was screened in Dublin to Tibet
Supporters. After the show, some of supporters described the documentary as
“moving” and “very powerful”. Over six hundred pamphlets featuring requests and
possible peaceful actions that people can take to help the just cause of Tibet
were distributed to the public. Many people expressed sympathy and support for
the cause of Tibet by signing up as supporters to take part in future events
and peaceful actions for Tibet.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama visits Basel in October 2008
Zurich, 29 May 2008 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give Tibetan Buddhist teachings and a public talk in Basel from 10 - 12 October 2008. This visit has been planned since 2006 and is the 22nd visit to Switzerland by the Tibetan leader and Nobel Peace Laureate.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give 2 days Buddhist teachings on The Middle Stages of Meditation and The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Boddhisattva on 10 - 11 October. The commentaries provide a practical guide to overcome negativity and also explains how to develop positive attitudes in challenging situations. These teachings are truly timeless and universal.
The Tibetan Communities in Europe who have invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama will offer His Holiness a long life (Tenshug) ceremony on 12 October morning. Tibetans consider the offering of "Tenshug" to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as very auspicious and special occasion for expressing their eternal gratitude and support to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his leadership. The recent tragic events in Tibet is a testimony of the Tibetan people in Tibet's desire for freedom, dignity and a return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet despite almost 49 years of Chinese occupation of Tibet. The life of His Holiness and the future of the Tibetan people with its unique culture are therefore directly connected.
On 12 October afternoon (Sunday) His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a public talk on Ethical act - A happy life.
The three day event will place in the Messe Hall in Basel Switzerland. There will be translations in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish.
Tickets for the teachings including Tenshug can be purchased by visiting www.dalailama2008.ch. Tickets for the public talk on 12 October 2008 will be available at the later date.
N.B. Press accreditation will be available from mid-June 2008.
Mr. Jigme RIBI, media coordinator +41 79 705 69 39
Freedom Torch relay up the holy Croagh Patrick Mountain
(A Member of Tibetan Community in Ireland holding the Freedom Torch & the Tibetan Flag at the top of Croagh Patrick Mountain, Co. Mayo, Ireland)
A Freedom Torch was taken up Ireland's holy mountain Croagh Patrick on the World Press Freedom Day, 3rd May, 2008 in protest over China’s effort to legitimize their rule over Tibet by carrying the Olympic torch up the Mount Everest.
(Supporters attending the Opening Ceremony of the Freedom Torch relay at the foot of Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo, Ireland)
Over 100 people attended the opening ceremony of the Freedom Torch at the foot of Croagh Patrick Mountain at Murrisk. Mr Namgyal Damdul, President of the Tibetan Community in Ireland (TCinI) condemned China’s brutal crackdown on the Tibetan protesters in Tibet which is resulting in large scale deaths and inflicting unimaginable pain and sufferings on Tibetan people in Tibet (TAR & all Tibetan areas of Qingha, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan).
(Members of TCinI presenting the situation of Tibet through gestures during the Opening Ceremony at the foot of Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo, Ireland)
He presented the situation of Tibet by using the concept of three wise monkeys in a different context, one person had her eyes closed with her hands representing the state of International media which are not allowed to see what is going on in Tibet, another person had her mouth closed with her hands representing the state of Tibetan people who are not allowed to exercise their Freedom of Speech and the third person had her ears closed with her hands representing the state of Chinese people inside China who are not told the truth about Tibet.
Mr Anthony O’Brien of Tibet Support Group Ireland (TSG-I) said “The symbolic use of the torch is to mark our objection to China sending the Olympic flame up Everest, known as the holy mountain of Chomolungma in Tibet”.
(Karen group presenting their traditional dance during the Opening Ceremony at the foot of Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo, Ireland)
A group of Karen people showed their solidarity with the Tibetan people by presenting their traditional dance. Irish Singer John Hoban who is also a member of Mayo Tibet Support Group (MTSG) presented a song for peace and non-violence in Tibet. A List of 60 identified names of the victims of China’s brutal crackdown in Tibet (currently over 160 are confirmed dead but actual death toll likely is to be 300-400) was read out and there was a series of inter-denominational readings. FREE TIBET hats and stickers were distributed to the supporters by the TCinI. Many supporters joined the ascent of the Freedom Torch to the top of the Croagh Patrick Mountain which was completed in less than two hours. This event was successfully organized by Mayo Tibet Support Group, Tibet Support Group-Ireland and the Tibetan Community in Ireland.
Peace march and Candle light vigil in Dublin in support of Tibetan protesters in the whole of Tibet
(Tibet Supporters marching from the Spire, Dublin, Ireland on 31st March, 2008)
Tibetan Community in Ireland (TCI)and Tibet Support Group-Ireland (TSG-I) organized a peace march and a candle vigil in Dublin on 31st March, 2008 to show solidarity with the Tibetans in Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) and all Tibetan areas of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan who are protesting against the Chinese rule in Tibet since March 10, 2008. The peace march started at about 12.30 pm from the Spire, Dublin with about 100 supporters of Tibet carrying Tibetan Flags, banners, posters calling for freedom and human rights in Tibet. The peace marchers on their way to St. Stephen’s Green were joined by public on the way showing their support for the cause of Tibet. A brief stop was made at the EU Office to deliver a petition on Tibet to the EU Office.
(Mr Namgyal Damdul (Chairman, TCI) and Mr Neil Steedman (Chairman, TSG-I) presenting petitions to the representative of Taoiseach outside Taoiseach Office, Ireland on 31st March, 2008)
(Representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs meet TCI & TSG-I on 31st March, 2008)
Then peace march headed towards the Taoseach Office where TCI and TSG-I submitted petition on Tibet to the representative from Taoseach Office. When the peace march reached the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), St. Stephen’s Green representatives of DFA were waiting to receive petition from TCI and TSG-I. During the brief meeting with the DFA representatives, it was announced that Minister for Foreign Affairs has decided to meet TCI and TSG-I the next morning. The peace marchers welcomed the announcement with a huge applause.
(People taking part in the prayer and candle light vigil outside the St. Stephen's Green park, Dublin, Ireland on 31st March, 2008)
Later in the afternoon, a candle light vigil took place outside the St. Stephen’s Green where more than 50 people joined to show their solidarity with Tibetan monks, nun, men, women and children in whole of Tibet who are protesting against the Chinese rule in Tibet. Currently 150 people are confirmed dead, many injured and thousands arrested. According to reports coming from Tibet dead bodies are being cremated by Chinese Officials without permission from family members to destroy evidence and injured Tibetans are not receiving proper medical treatment in hospitals. It is very likely that arrested Tibetans are being subjected to torture inside prison for protesting against Chinese rule in Tibet. Water and electricity supply have been cut off in many monasteries across all the three provinces(U-Stang, Kham, Amdo) of Tibet and one monk from Ramoche monastery in Lhasa has been reported to have died due to starvation in the monastery, and monks are not allowed to go outside the monasteries. A prayer was held and candles were lighted outside the St. Stephen’s Green for the Tibetans who sacrificed their lives for freedom and justice in Tibet.
Solidarity protest in Dublin in support of Tibetan protesters in the whole of Tibet
(Tibetans and Tibet Supporters in Ireland protesting near the Spire, Dublin, on 16th March, 2008)
A day-long solidarity protest was organized by Tibetans and Tibet Supporters in Ireland on 16th March, 2008 at the Spire, Dublin, Ireland in support for the ongoing protests by Tibetans in whole of TibetDublin, thousands of tourists around the world who have converged in Dublin to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on 17th March, 2008 witnessed the protest in the centre of Dublin and some showed their support and sympathy to the cause of Tibet by joining the protest. against Chinese rule. The protest by brave Tibetan men and women against a powerful and brutal oppressor in whole of Tibet has put the issue of Tibet back on the spotlight, the protest in Dublin also received unprecedented media coverage in Ireland including Ireland’s National Television RTE one, radios and many News papers, and support from the people of Ireland. Apart from people of
(Tibetans and Tibet Supporters in Ireland protesting near the Spire, Dublin, on 16th March, 2008) A couple thousand leaflets calling for the support of International community to put pressure on China to allow the demonstrators to exercise their right to freedom of expression and assembly, refrain from excessive use of force against the protesters, release all Tibetans who have been arrested or detained and allow unobstructed access for International Media to Tibet were distributed in Dublin.
(Tibetans and Tibet Supporters in Ireland protesting near the Spire, Dublin, on 16th March, 2008) Currently 150 people are confirmed dead, many injured and thousands arrested. Reports tell that dead bodies are being cremated by Chinese Officials without permission from family members to destroy evidence and injured Tibetans are not receiving proper medical treatment in hospitals. It is very likely that arrested Tibetans are being subjected to torture inside prison for protesting against Chinese rule in Tibet. Water and electricity supply in many monasteries in Tibet have been cut off as a result one monk died of starvation in Ramoche monastery in Lhasa and monks are not allowed to leave the monasteries.
Tibetans and Tibet Supporters in Ireland commemorate the 49th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising despite heavy storm warnings
(Tibetans & Tibet Supporters display "FREE TIBET" banners at the Spire, Dublin City centre on 10th March, 2008)
Tibetans and Tibet Supporters in Ireland commemorated the 49th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day on the 10th March, 2008 by holding peaceful demonstrations against the Chinese rule in Tibet at the Spire, Dublin and outside the Chinese Embassy in Dublin. Earlier on Sunday, 9th March, 2008 RTE news warned of “severe weather” conditions “with storm force conditions expected to batter Ireland” on Sunday evening and Monday, 10th March, 2008. Despite these warning of heavy storms around 20 Tibetans and Tibet Supporters took part in the peaceful demonstrations in Dublin in the cold and wet weather conditions. FREE TIBET banners and the Tibetan National Flags were splashed at the Spire in Dublin attracting attentions from the people amid heavy Monday morning traffic.
(Tibetans & Tibet Supporters singing song "RISE UP" (LongSho) against Chinese rule in Tibet at the GPO, Dublin on 10th March, 2008)
Tibetans sang ‘Rise Up’ [against Chinese rule] song outside the General Post Office with the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan National Flags held up high. Many people who were passing by appreciated the cause of Tibet by standing along with the Tibetans when the song ‘Rise Up’ against the brutal Chinese rule was being sung. Couple of hundreds of leaflet highlighting the facts and figures of the sufferings and destructions in Tibet under Chinese rule since 1959 were distributed at the city centre of Dublin.
(Tibetans & Tibet Supporters protesting in front of the Dublin Chinese Embassy, Dublin on 10th March, 2008)
Outside the Chinese Embassy, the protesters raised the Tibetan National Flags and banners bearing issues such as “FREE TIBET”, “LONG LIVE DALAI LAMA”, “RELEASE OF PANCHEN LAMA & OTHER POLITICAL PRISONERS”, “ONE WORLD, ONE DREAM, FREE TIBET 2008”, “BEIJING OLYMPIC SHAMES, BOYCOTT THE GAMES” and other posters. Then the protesters sang Tibetan National Anthem and ‘Rise Up’ (LongSho) in front of the Chinese Embassy to show the strong feeling of Tibetan patriotism and support for Tibet.
(Tibetans & Tibet Supporters protesting in front of the Dublin Chinese Embassy, Dublin on 10th March, 2008)
It was not long before the vociferous chanting against Chinese rule in Tibet started in front of the Chinese Embassy. Strong feelings and emotions were noticeable on the protestors’ faces and their voices when chanting slogans like “CHINA CHINA CHINA, OUT OUT OUT, WHEN WHEN WHEN, NOW NOW NOW”, “TIBET BELONGS TO TIBETANS”, “LONG LIVE DALAI LAMA”, “RELEASE RELEASE, PANCHEN LAMA”, “BEIJING OLYMPIC SHAMES, BOYCOTT THE GAMES” etc.
(A young Tibetan in front of the Dublin Chinese Embassy, Dublin on 10th March, 2008)
In the 10th March, 2008 morning before the demonstration started, Tibetan Community in Ireland wrote an email to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ireland, urging him to encourage China to resolve the issue of Tibet as soon as possible and to ask China to immediately end the policy of large scale population transfer into Tibet which undermines the Tibetan culture, religion, environment and also marginalized the Tibetans in their own land. According to reliable sources, China is planning to transfer a large scale population of one million Chinese into Tibet after the Beijing Olympic which proves the critics who accused China of using Olympic to legitimize and further tighten it's control over Tibet right.
Tibetan Community in Ireland celebrates the 18th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
(His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989) (A group photo of Tibetans and their relatives on 10th December, 2007)
Dublin, Ireland, 11 Dec: The Tibetan Community in Ireland celebrated the 18th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989, at the Tallaght Inter Cultural Action, Tallaght, Dublin on 10th December, 2007. His Holiness was conferred the prestigious prize in 1989 on the day which is observed as the World Human Rights Day for "his struggle for the liberation of Tibet consistently has opposed the use of violence. He has instead advocated peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people."
(Members and supporters enjoying during the function on 10th December, 2007) Mr Namgyal Damdul, the Chairman of Tibetan Community in Ireland (TCI) highlighted the important events in the history of Tibet to about 50 people present on the occasion. He recalled the tragic incident at Nangpa la on 30th September, 2006 where a Tibetan teenage nun was shot dead by Chinese Soldier and wounded another Tibetan when a group of Tibetans were crossing the mountain to flee Tibet to see His Holiness the Dalia Lama in India. He explained that Rungey Adrak was sentence to 8 years of imprisonment by the Chinese government for exercising his basic human right by calling for the Tibet's Independence, release of Pachen Lama and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. At the end, he made a public appeal to the president of International Olympic Committee to consider the ever increasing human right violations in Tibet and act as he promised in April, 2002 in the BBC HardTalk programme.
Tibetans prayed the long life Prayer for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai lama since this is the Obstacle year for His Holiness according to the Tibetan Astrology. The prayer was lead by Pachen O'trul Rinpoche who is based in County Cavan. Soon after the prayer, all the Tibetans and other Buddhists offered scarfs to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai lama. In his acceptance speech, His Holiness stated "I accept the prize with profound gratitude on behalf of the oppressed everywhere and for all those who struggle for freedom and work for world peace. I accept it as a tribute to the man who founded the modern tradition of nonviolent action for change - Mahatma Gandhi - whose life taught and inspired me."
(Pachen O'trul Rinpoche speaking on the occasion on 10th December, 2007) Pachen O'trul Rinpoche highlighted the brutalities done on Tibetans by China, and lack of religious freedom and human rights in Tibet. He pointed to the fact the Chinese government is trying to present a false picture of Tibetans in Tibet to the world but the truth about condition of Tibetans in Tibet is far worst. He also stressed the importance of Tibetan language and Tibetan Buddhism and advised the Tibetans to study Tibetan language and Tibetan Buddhism. (Mr Neil Steedman, Chairman of TSG, Ireland, speaking on the occasion on 10th December, 2007)
Mr Neil Steedman, Chairman of Tibet Support Group, Ireland explained the meaning of the Irish Flag and also the Tibetan Flag which symbolizes the compassion nature of Tibetans. He then drew the attention of the audience to worsening human rights situation in Tibet. He explained that Tibetans in Tibet are not allowed to carry or keep the photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan National Flag. He pointed to the fact that even after 60 years, the Chinese government does not feel confident about it's control over Tibet, this is because of the unique strength and courage of Tibetans which is gained from their religion and culture. (Tibetans and Tibet Supporters singing Tibetan National Anthem on 10th December, 2007)
(Tibetans and Tibet Supporters enjoying Tibetan Dance "Gorshe" on 10th December, 2007)
And Later, the Tibetan National Anthem was sung by all present there and a Tibetan group dance was performed by the Tibetans, they were soon joined by the Irish supporters of Tibet who seemed to enjoy every single move of the dance. A Tibetan special lunch prepared by the members of Tibetan Community in Ireland was served to all.
