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April 7 marked 12 years since Tulku Tenzin Delek, a highly-respected lama in Lithang County, Kardze prefecture in Kham, Tibet, was imprisoned. In exile, Tibetans and supporters observed this day as a Global Day of Action calling for his release.

Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, was charged with “causing explosions” and “inciting separatism”; charges commonly used against Tibetans to prosecute them in socio-political issues.  Human Rights groups say that Tulku Tenzin Delek’s trial was not held in accordance with international standards and his right to be represented by lawyers hired by his family was denied. In December 2002 he was sentenced to death, but after a strong international appeal his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2005. It is believed that Tulku Tenzin Delek became a target of the Chinese authorities, as have several other influential religious leaders in Tibet, because of their popularity and their ability to influence the local people.

Recent reports which revealed that Tulku Tenzin Delek is in a critical condition have worried followers, students and rights groups alike. “He was denied access [..] to private visitors during the entire duration of his detention, thereby confirming allegations of torture,” says a report by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy posted on its website. People in major cities around the world, including Delhi, Toronto, Kathmandu, Vienna, Warsaw, New York and Zurich demonstrated a similar concern for his well-being on the Global Day of Action and called for the Rinpoche’s immediate release.

In Dharamshala, India, more than 70 Tibetans, including nuns from Dolma Ling Nunnery and students from the Tibetan Transit School, sat on hunger strike near the Pawo (martyr) Pillar, Tsuglakhang Temple. Local people and tourists took part in a signature campaign, video screening and talk organised by the Students for a Free Tibet and Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s Service Committee. “We appeal for his release on medical parole. We are extremely concerned about his condition as Rinpoche is now 64 years old. We request the international community and foreign governments to press China for his release,” said Yangzom, who took part in the April 7 campaign.

Tulku Tenzin Delek continues to be imprisoned at an unknown location.