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Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2014 - 7:00pm Location: Landmark Opera Theatre Cinema 601 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 Poster for Little Tibet 2 in San Francisco Sonam Ajantsang Bay Area Friends of Tibet presents Little Tibet 2, a moving sequel to Director Nawang (Sonam) Anjatsang's original film, Little Tibet. Little Tibet 2 is the story of one man’s journey to discover his heritage and set eyes on a homeland he has never seen. With beautiful vistas and intimate encounters, Little Tibet 2 provides a rare insight into a culture and people that live on the edge of extinction. Sonam retraces his father's footsteps through Nepal to Mustang, where the historic Tibetan way of life still persists. On his journey, Sonam encounters a myriad of people intent on keeping Tibetan customs and traditions alive, including nuns educating Tibetan children, a nomadic family struggling to live on the land, and a group of Tibetan women learning to conserve and restore monastic paintings over 500 years old. Sonam also has a rare meeting with the King of Mustang and gains a unique insight into the life of a Yogi who teaches traditional religious values to youngsters attracted to the bright lights of modern society. Sonam's journey concludes as he confronts his father's past as a guerilla fighter, who in the 1960s and 1970s fought in vain against the Chinese Army. Ultimately, Sonam must make a decision whether or not to step into his homeland that remains occupied by the Chinese to this day. Directors’ Background: Nawang Anja-Tsang (Sonam) is a Tibetan raised in exile in India, and schooled in Dharamsala at the Tibetan Children's Village. He moved to London in 1999 and worked for six years as an extra in films such as Batman Returns, Valhalla Rising and The Bourne Identity. There he seriously utilized downtime on the sets to gain knowledge and learn the art of filmmaking. He felt that many Tibetan films he had seen were either religious or political. It is Sonam's wish that sharing his experience, a wider audience may be reached and made aware of what is being lost on so many levels - cultural, political, religious and ecological - in the real Tibet today. Sonam works full time for the London Transit Authority and sells t-shirts on the weekends to fund his film projects. $10 special admission to help offset the director's travel expenses.

Dear Friends, I wanted to share this letter I received from our friend, George Ge, President of Humanitarian China in the hopes that you, too, will be excited and join us in shared purpose and endeavors in the coming months. The presence of Bay Area Tibetans and friends of Tibet at the 6/3 event at San Francisco's Chinatown's Portsmouth Square was appreciated and applauded by many Chinese humanitarians and democracy advocates who attended. It is exciting to celebrate this special friendship between Chinese and Tibetan people's as inspired by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. I've also shared my speech at Portsmouth Square on the Tiananmen Massacre's 25th Anniversary. I hope it inspires you to do what you can do help freedom, democracy, and justice along in China and occupied-Tibet. Also, please chip in and help if you can. Check out Bay Area Friends of Tibet's long-time project on Chinese Outreach at: http://friends-of-tibet.org/projects/chinese-outreach  and make a donation today at http://friends-of-tibet.org/donation Sincerely, Giovanni  ----------------------- George GePresident of Humanitarian China Giovanni Vasallo(president) Friends of Tibet June 9th, 2014 Dear Giovanni Vasallo, We highly appreciate your speech on June 3rd, 2014 in San Francisco. A quarter century passed since June 4th, 1989, during that dark night, Chinese troops opened fire on innocent civilians and peaceful students. It was a large scale Human Rights violation. Since then, Human Rights situation in China has become worse and worse. Thus, we need to work together, not only to commemorate those lost their life, but also to protest Chinese government's ugly behavior. Safeguarding Human Rights in China is the goal of Humanitarian China. We share this common purpose. On behalf of Humanitarian China, I send this appreciation letter. Thank you for showing solidarity with us. Sincerely, George Ge -------- Speech to Chinese and Tibetan Friends on 6/4 25th Anniversary Dear Friends, Thank you for all coming here today and for the invitation to speak. On behalf of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet, I express solidarity with the Chinese people on this 25th anniversary of the June 4 massacre in Beijing. We mourn for all those who died and pray for those who died for freedom, democracy and human rights. Please let me offer this prayer for the people of China and Tibet. (recited prayers invoking the Buddha of the Three Times and Call for Enlighten Mother-Loving Kindness Mind)   The Chinese government claim that their PLA army soldiers became the guardians of the public, and the military crackdown was justified as one that was necessary for stability and prosperity and that the student uprisings was also against a Western conspiracy to divide and weaken China," there is a sense that China is being victimized by the West." They use the same lies to justify their occupation of Tibet. So Tibetans are used to the upside down claims of the government.   I believe in the genuine reality about 6/4 is as the Dalai Lama has said previously:   The students involved in the Tiananmen Square movement were neither anti-communist nor anti-socialist. Their speaking out in defense of the Chinese people's constitutional rights, in favor of democracy, and taking a stand against corruption, truly conformed to the underlying beliefs of the Chinese Communist government. This was confidently stated by the then Party chief Zhao Ziyang.   Today we stand in solidarity with the popular demand for the government to be more accountable to its people, less corruption, for the freedom of the press, for freedom of speech, and four the restoration of workers' control over industry.   His Holiness the Dalai Lama said on today's anniversary that:   These values of freedom, democracy and human rights are the foundation of a free and dynamic society. “They are also the source of true peace and stability. While great progress has been made to integrate China into the world economy, I believe it is equally important to encourage China to enter the mainstream of global democracy. This will help China to gain the trust and respect of the rest of the world, enabling China to fulfill its potential in playing a leading role in global affairs.”   Today, we honor our fore-fathers and mothers and their vision, courage, and determination. We must never forget the Chinese people defiantly-enduring. Today is to honor China and the sacrifices made in 1989 by our elders and community and recommit ourselves to take any steps, leave no stone unturned in search of peace and justice.   We bow our heads and pay respects to these and all our 6/4 martyrs and all the human rights victims of the Chinese Communist Party, offer thanks and tribute to all these Chinese.  We pray for genuine social, religious, political, and cultural freedoms and a China that honors everyone human rights highly and equally. We stand in solidarity and pray for the Tiananmen Mothers and call for the Chinese government to heed their demands.   We are not called to sacrifice as extraordinarily as our 6/4 heroes, but to do our own many small parts for peace, to perform numerous ordinary acts of peace for China with great love and never forget, to work incessantly to free the Tibetan and Chinese people, and remove a terrible blight on the world’s conscience and bring China back as a respectable partner on the world stage. Thankfully we are not dead like some of our heroes. We are not cowards.  We feel the pain of our elders and still resist the corruption of government leaders. We must protect the blessings that are meant for us all to enjoy life, liberty and the genuine pursuit of their happiness.   On June 4 We Remember, memorialize and we Press On! We Show we Remember and we Carry On! We Always Remember and keep Going! With remembrance in hearts and vision, courage and determination we will make a Free Tibet and a Free China.   As His Holiness the Dalai Lama, said, Never Give Up!   June 4 means we keep the Dream of liberty, equality and justice for all, Alive.   Free Tibet & Free China! ------------------------------------------------- Portsmouth Square, June 3, 2014 by Giovanni Vassallo on behalf of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet   Again, please help and join us!   See make a donation today at http://friends-of-tibet.org/donation  and http://www.friends-of-tibet.org/join-us    Thank you!   Sincerely,   Giovanni Vassallo  President | Bay Area Friends of Tibet

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 12:00am to Sunday, May 18, 2014 - 12:00am Location: Live Oak ParkBerkeley, California BAFOT will again be participating at the Himalayan Fair in Berkeley. Please come by and visit us at our booth near the stage. BAFOT will again be participating at the Himalayan Fair in Berkeley. Please come by and visit us at our booth near the stage. Himalayan Fair website

Here are statements by Tashi Lhunpo Monastery on the the occasion of the Panchen Lama's 25th birthday in English and Tibet. OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY THE TASHI LHUNPO MONASTERY ON THE 25TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS HOLINESS THE 11TH PANCHEN LAMA 25 April 2014, Bylakuppe: Today, we are gathered here to observe the auspicious 25th birthday of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama in an event organized by the Central Tibetan Administration's (CTA) Regional Organising Committee of the 25th Birth Anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama. On behalf of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and the Central Association of His Holiness the Panchen Lama, I extend a warm welcome to our most esteemed guests -- His Eminence Gaden Tripa Rizong Sey Rinpoche, Head of the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism, Mr Penpa Tsering, Honorable Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically-elected political head of the CTA, His Eminence Lochen Rinpoche, Abbotts and monks of different monastic schools, Chief Representative Officer of South Zone, Settlement officers of the old and new settlements in Bylakuppe, heads of various schools and institutions of learning, and members of the public. Today marks 25 years since His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, was born in Lhari County, Nagchu, Tibet to Kunchok Phuntsok and Dechen Choedon. On this auspicious day, the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, on behalf of Tibetans everywhere, with immense veneration, wish for the good health and happiness of the 11th Panchen Lama and offer prayers for his well being. It is a well known fact that the Panchen Lama has always been an important figure in Tibet's spiritual and political history. Historically, all the Panchen Lamas, in their lifetime, have made tremendous contributions to the spread and propagation of Tibetan Buddhism, while simultaneously working for the well being of all sentient beings. The 10th Panchen Lama, in particular, was renowned for his fearlessness and role in ensuring the welfare of the Tibetan people during one of Tibet's darkest periods. A harsh critic of the Chinese government's policies in Tibet, the 10th Panchen Lama was relentless in his efforts to seek redress for the atrocities committed against the Tibetan people by the Chinese government. As a result, he suffered 14 long years of imprisonment and was subjected to untold mental and physical torture at the hands of the Chinese government. Despite these hardships, the 10th Panchen Lama was unwavering in his crusade to improve the social, economic, political, and environmental conditions in Tibet and, most importantly, to promote and revive the Tibetan language, religion, and culture. In 1989, the 10th Panchen Lama was only 52 when he passed away under mysterious circumstances after delivering a public speech in which he was sharply and openly critical of the Chinese government's policies. Since then, over the past 25 years, we have witnessed a swift deterioration of the political, economic, and social conditions of the Tibetan people in Tibet, accompanied with the Chinese government's heightened efforts to systematically wipe out the Tibetan culture, language, and religion -- all of which form the very basis of the Tibetan identity. In addition, China's violation of the Tibetan people's religious freedoms and human rights have worsened over the past 25 years, amid growing economic and social inequality. Today, we cannot help but remember the 10th Panchen Lama's greatness, foresight, wisdom, sacrifices, and courage, and we offer prayers for the fulfilment of his aspirations and vision for Tibet. Tibetans have always referred to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Panchen Lama as the "Sun and Moon" – recognizing the special historical and spiritual relationship they share in leading the search for each other's reincarnation and ensuring the other's subsequent religious education. In keeping with the historical tradition of recognizing each other's incarnation, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on 14 May 1995 publicly announced Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the rightful incarnate of His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama. A mere three days after this announcement was made, Chinese authorities abducted the then six-year old lama, along with his parents, and Chadrel Jampa Trinley Rinpoche, the then Abbott of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and head of the Search Committee for the 11th Panchen Lama, among others. With no regard whatsoever for the Tibetan people's religious aspirations and freedom, the Chinese government instead appointed Gyaltsen Norbu, another young boy from Nagchu, as the 11th Panchen Lama. Since their abduction in 1995, the world has not seen or heard from the 11th Panchen Lama and Chadrel Rinpoche; their whereabouts remain unknown till date and the Chinese government's assurances of their well being are questionable, as authorities have not offered any concrete proof over the past 19 years to substantiate their claims. Despite repeated calls and campaigns for their release, Chinese authorities have continued to play a deaf ear, refusing requests by UN human rights groups and other international bodies to allow an independent figure to meet the young lama and verify his well being. As such, it is with a sense of great concern and sadness that we observe this 25th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama. In the past 19 years, the young Panchen Lama, who was once the world's youngest political prisoner, has turned into a 25 year old adult under Chinese custody; through this time, the young lama has been denied his fundamental rights, clearly highlighting the fact that Tibetans in Tibet do not enjoy basic human and child rights, and religious freedom. The experiences of the previous and the current Panchen Lamas, undoubtedly, serve as strong testimony of the Chinese government's conscious and deliberate efforts to control every aspect of the Tibetan way of life, which, in effect, has and is still continuing to provoke the self-immolations protests. Over the past few years, more than a hundred Tibetans in Tibet and in exile have sacrificed their lives to protest Chinese policies in Tibet by setting their bodies on fire. All the self immolators were unified in their call for freedom for the Tibetans, the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the release of the Panchen Lama. Until now, Tibetans have been firm believers in and followers of non violence in our struggle to find a resolution to the Tibetan issue, boosted in part by our religious view and the gentle Tibetan human nature. However, Tibetans have now been forced to resort to drastic expressions of resistance such as self immolations. If the Chinese government does not heed their call quickly enough, Tibetans could be pressured to adopt even more radical measures to protest Chinese policies in Tibet, which, in turn, would exacerbate the number of problems that the Chinese government has to deal with. Hence, the Chinese government should, without any further delay, make sincere efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Tibetan issue under the Middle Way approach proposed by the Dalai Lama, as this is the only approach that seeks a mutually beneficial solution for both Tibetans and Chinese. This year, the Central Tibetan Administration has organised this event to mark 25 years since the birth of the 11th Panchen Lama -- a much-needed endeavour on the part of the government given the political, spiritual and historical significance of the Panchen Lama. Tibetans in Tibet and in exile welcome the CTA's move and are unified in our expression of gratitude to the CTA for this undertaking, and, without doubt, regard this as one of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay's key achievements. We are also grateful to all those individuals and organizations -- both governmental and non governmental -- that have relentlessly campaigned for the release of the Panchen Lama, Chadrel Rinpoche and other political prisoners. We thank you for your support and beseech you to continue this fight for their release until we achieve our goal. We pray for the swift, just and peaceful resolution to the Tibetan issue and for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, and earnestly await the day when the Tibetan people's Sun and the Moon would be reunited in Tibet.

Here are statements by Tashi Lhunpo Monastery on the the occasion of the Panchen Lama's 25th birthday in English and Tibet. OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY THE TASHI LHUNPO MONASTERY ON THE 25TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS HOLINESS THE 11TH PANCHEN LAMA 25 April 2014, Bylakuppe Today, we are gathered here to observe the auspicious 25th birthday of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama in an event organized by the Central Tibetan Administration's (CTA) Regional Organising Committee of the 25th Birth Anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama. On behalf of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and the Central Association of His Holiness the Panchen Lama, I extend a warm welcome to our most esteemed guests: His Eminence Gaden Tripa Rizong Sey Rinpoche, Head of the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism Mr. Penpa Tsering, Honorable Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political head of the CTA His Eminence Lochen Rinpoche Abbots and monks of different monastic schools Chief Representative Officer of South Zone Settlement officers of the old and new settlements in Bylakuppe Heads of various schools and institutions of learning Members of the public The Birth of the 11th Panchen Lama Today marks 25 years since His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, was born in Lhari County, Nagchu, Tibet, to Kunchok Phuntsok and Dechen Choedon. On this auspicious day, the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, on behalf of Tibetans everywhere, with immense veneration, wishes for the good health and happiness of the 11th Panchen Lama and offers prayers for his well-being. The Historical Role of the Panchen Lamas It is a well-known fact that the Panchen Lama has always been an important figure in Tibet's spiritual and political history. Historically, all the Panchen Lamas have made tremendous contributions to the spread and propagation of Tibetan Buddhism while simultaneously working for the well-being of all sentient beings. The 10th Panchen Lama, in particular, was renowned for his fearlessness and role in ensuring the welfare of the Tibetan people during one of Tibet's darkest periods. A harsh critic of the Chinese government's policies in Tibet, he was relentless in his efforts to seek redress for atrocities committed against the Tibetan people. As a result, he suffered fourteen long years of imprisonment and was subjected to severe mental and physical torture at the hands of the Chinese government. Despite these hardships, the 10th Panchen Lama remained unwavering in his efforts to improve the social, economic, political, and environmental conditions in Tibet and to promote and revive the Tibetan language, religion, and culture. The Death of the 10th Panchen Lama and Conditions in Tibet In 1989, the 10th Panchen Lama passed away under mysterious circumstances at the age of 52 after delivering a public speech sharply critical of Chinese government policies. Over the subsequent twenty-five years, Tibetans have witnessed: A deterioration of political, economic, and social conditions in Tibet Intensified efforts to eradicate Tibetan culture, language, and religion Increased restrictions on religious freedom Continued human rights violations Growing economic and social inequality Today, we remember the 10th Panchen Lama's greatness, foresight, wisdom, sacrifices, and courage, and offer prayers for the fulfillment of his aspirations and vision for Tibet. The Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama: “The Sun and Moon” Tibetans have traditionally referred to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Panchen Lama as the “Sun and Moon.” This reflects the unique spiritual relationship in which each plays a key role in recognizing the other's reincarnation and ensuring the continuation of religious education and leadership. Following this historical tradition, on 14 May 1995, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama publicly announced Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the rightful reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. Only three days later, Chinese authorities abducted: The six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima His parents Chadrel Jampa Trinley Rinpoche, then Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and head of the Search Committee for the 11th Panchen Lama Others associated with the recognition process Ignoring the religious wishes of the Tibetan people, the Chinese government instead appointed Gyaltsen Norbu, another boy from Nagchu, as the 11th Panchen Lama. Nineteen Years of Disappearance Since their abduction in 1995, the world has neither seen nor heard from the 11th Panchen Lama and Chadrel Rinpoche. Their whereabouts remain unknown. The Chinese government's assurances regarding their well-being remain questionable because no concrete evidence has been provided over the past nineteen years to substantiate such claims. Despite repeated appeals from: United Nations human rights bodies International organizations Governments Civil society groups Chinese authorities have refused requests to allow an independent observer to meet the Panchen Lama and verify his condition. A Birthday Marked by Concern and Sadness As such, it is with great concern and sadness that we observe the 25th birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama. Over the past nineteen years, the young Panchen Lama—once described as the world's youngest political prisoner—has become a twenty-five-year-old adult under Chinese custody. His continued disappearance highlights the absence of: Basic human rights Child rights Religious freedom for Tibetans living in Tibet. The experiences of both the previous and current Panchen Lamas stand as testimony to the Chinese government's efforts to control every aspect of Tibetan life, a situation that has contributed to the self-immolation protests. Self-Immolation Protests and the Tibetan Struggle Over recent years, more than one hundred Tibetans in Tibet and exile have sacrificed their lives by self-immolation in protest against Chinese policies. The self-immolators were united in calling for: Freedom for Tibetans The return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama The release of the Panchen Lama Tibetans have long embraced non-violence, inspired by religious principles and Tibetan cultural values. However, Tibetans have increasingly been driven toward desperate forms of protest. The statement argues that if Chinese authorities continue to ignore these appeals, Tibetans may be pushed toward even more radical forms of resistance, creating greater instability and challenges. Therefore, the Chinese government is urged to pursue a peaceful resolution through the Middle Way Approach proposed by the Dalai Lama, which seeks a mutually beneficial outcome for both Tibetans and Chinese. Appreciation for the Central Tibetan Administration This year, the Central Tibetan Administration organized this event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the birth of the 11th Panchen Lama. Given the Panchen Lama's political, spiritual, and historical significance, this initiative is regarded as both important and necessary. Tibetans inside and outside Tibet welcome this effort and express gratitude to the CTA, viewing it as one of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay's significant achievements. Gratitude to Supporters Worldwide We are also grateful to all individuals and organizations—governmental and non-governmental alike—that have tirelessly campaigned for the release of: The Panchen Lama Chadrel Rinpoche Other political prisoners We thank you for your support and urge you to continue this effort until our goal is achieved. Conclusion We pray for a swift, just, and peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue. We pray for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. And we earnestly await the day when the Tibetan people's Sun and Moon will once again be reunited in Tibet.

Date: Friday, April 25, 2014 - 10:00am to 12:00pm Location: Chinese Consulate of San Francisco1450 Laguna Street at GearySan Francisco, CA For Immediate Release Photo Opportunity 24 April 2014 TWENTY-FIVE YEAR OLD TIBETAN PANCHEN LAMA’S WHEREABOUTS REMAIN UNKNOWN AFTER 19 YEARS. DEMONSTRATION AT SAN FRANCISCO CHINESE CONSULATE TO ASK ‘WHERE IS THE PANCHEN LAMA?” Evening Vigil outside downtown Berkeley BART station Contact: Jampa Lhawang, 510-423-1428 Giovanni Vassallo 415-264-3264 WHO: San Francisco Team Tibet* WHEN: April 25, 2014, 10 AM – 12 PM WHERE: 1450 Laguna @ Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA (San Francisco) On April 25 Tibetans and Tibet supporters will mark the 25th birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama. But, there will be no party or celebration; Gedhun Choekyi Nyima will once again be spending his birthday in an unknown location having been abducted by the Chinese authorities in 1995, following his recognition as one of Tibet's most important religious figures [1]. "We have been seeking news about the Panchen Lama's whereabouts for nearly 19 years, but China has failed to give us any true indication of where he is being held [2]." said Jampa Lhawang, President of the San Francisco Tibetan Youth Congress. [3] "China's continued detention of the Panchen Lama is not only a crime against this young man, but against the entire Tibetan people who regard the ongoing detention of one of their most important religious leaders as a source of great distress." Tibetans, Tibet supporters, human rights organizations and world governments have consistently urged China to release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima but these appeals continue to go unheeded. For nearly two decades the Chinese authorities have denied requests from governments and the United Nations for access to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family, claiming that he was leading a normal life and does not wish to be disturbed. However, Tibetans in exile in Dharamsala, India, believe this is far from the truth. "His Holiness the Panchen Lama’s parents are currently placed under house arrest in their home town; they are not allowed to make any outside contact and police officials reportedly escort and monitor all their movements.” said Ven. Ngawang Woebar, former President of Gu Chu Sum [4]. "The Panchen Lama’s abduction is yet another part of China's ruthless strategy to show control over the Tibetan people." Giovanni Vassallo, president of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet "[5]. For 19 years they have held this young man, in an attempt to manage the beliefs of the Tibetan people, and counter His Holiness the Dalai Lama's strong and enduring influence inside Tibet [6]. But, even after more than 60 years of an illegal occupation of Tibet, China has failed to gain any political or religious legitimacy in the eyes of the Tibetan people." Later at 7 PM there will also hold a candlelight vigil outside the downtown Berkeley BART station. - END - 1. In 1995, at the age of six, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, one of Tibet’s most important religious leaders. A few weeks later, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family disappeared from their home in Lhari (Nagchu Prefecture, north of Lhasa). For more information visit http://www.freepanchenlama.org/panchen-lama/ 2. The Chinese Government has refused repeated requests for independent access to establish his health and well-being, claiming he was leading a normal life and did not wish to be disturbed. China justified his disappearance on the grounds that it was for his own protection against "splittist" forces. Chinese Government officials have made a number of statements concerning his whereabouts: In February 1998 a group of American religious leaders who visited Tibet were told that the Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was in Beijing, as previous reports had indicated; in March of the same year a TAR official told an Austrian delegation that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was living in Lhari, his birthplace; In April 1998, Ngabo Ngawang Jigme, a senior Tibetan official based in Beijing (formerly Governor of Chamdo) told a British journalist that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was studying, possibly in Gansu Province - a remote area bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region, with a relatively small Tibetan population; In 2010 Padma Choling, Govenor of the Tibet Autonomous Region, said he was living in Tibet and was "reluctant to be disturbed" and wanted "to live an ordinary life" - (Xinhua) 2010-03-07 http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-03/07/content_9550348.htm 3. San Francisco Regional Youth Congress. See http://sfrtyc.org/ 4. Gu Chu Sum is a Tibetan Non-Governmental Organization providing support to former Tibetan political prisoners - http://www.gu-chu-sum.org/ 5. Bay Area Friends of Tibet – www.friends-of-tibet.org 6. Six months after Gedhun Choekyi Nyima's abduction China enthroned Gyaltsen Norbu as Tibet's 11th Panchen Lama. Gyaltsen, who lives in Beijing, returns to Tibet only rarely and his visits are carefully stage managed and heavily policed. Tibetans still refer to him as the 'Panchen Zuma', or 'false Panchen'. *SAN FRANCISCO TEAM TIBET consists of Tibetan Association of Northern California (www.tanc.org), San Francisco Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (www.sfrtyc.org) Students for a Free Tibet (www.studentsforafreetibet.org) Bay Area Friends of Tibet (www.friends-of-tibet.org).

Date: Sunday, April 6, 2014 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm Location: First Unitarian Center, Martin Luther King Room, 1187 Franklin St, San Francisco Amnesty International Local Group 30 invites you to a screening of "Leaving Fear Behind," a film by imprisoned Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen. The film will be introduced by his wife Lhamo Tso, who has been actively campaigning for his release. Dhondup Wangchen was arrested and imprisoned while making this film about ordinary Tibetans expressing their views on life in Tibet. Following the film John Kamm, founder of the San Francisco based Dui Hua Foundation, which works to release prisoners in China through dialogue with the Chinese government, will discuss Dui Hua's current initiatives. Light refreshments will be served. Suggested donation $5, but no one will be turned away. Take action for Dhondup Wangchen!