Additional Name(s): 德钦曲珍(音)

Gender: Female

Perpetrator: China

Ethnic Group: Tibetan

Religion or Belief: Buddhist – Tibetan

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Date of Detainment: May/17/1995

Current Status: Unknown

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Disappeared

Reason for Persecution: Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Not Applicable

Dechen Choedron

Extra Bio Info:

Dechen Choedron was forcibly disappeared for her son's religious leadership role. 

On May 17, 1995, authorities abducted Choedron her then six-year old son Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and the rest of their family.  The abduction came after the Dalai Lama chose Gedhun to be the 11th Panchen Lama, the second highest position in Tibetan Buddhism, on May 14, 1995.

On July 17, 2007, authorities said that Gedhun is a “perfectly ordinary Tibetan boy,” attending school and leading a normal life, and that he “does not wish to be disturbed.” Authorities said that the state employs both of his parents and that his brothers and sisters are either working or at university.

Related Cases: Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, Konchog Phuntsog

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