Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) April 24 (ANI) — Amnesty International has made an urgent appeal to Chinese authorities for information about the whereabouts of Tibetan spiritual leader Choktrul Dorje Ten Rinpoche, who is reported missing after an alleged detention in December 2025, Phayul reports.
In a letter addressed to Qinghai Communist Party Secretary Wu Xiaojun, Amnesty said it was deeply concerned by the lack of transparency surrounding the lama’s reported detention. According to reports, Choktrul Dorje Ten Rinpoche was taken into custody on or around December 4 in Chikdril County in the Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Chinese authorities have not released official details about the circumstances of his detention, including his legal status, exact location or any charges. Informal reports in January indicated he was “under investigation,” but no formal confirmation has been provided, Amnesty said.
The rights group warned that holding a person incommunicado violates international human rights standards and increases the risk of torture or other ill-treatment. Amnesty also cited reports that local officials discouraged people from speaking about the case, framing the silence as part of a broader pattern of suppression in China.
Choktrul Dorje Ten Rinpoche is an influential religious figure in Tibet who founded a monastery and a vocational training centre that supports local communities. His reported disappearance has heightened fears about growing restrictions on Tibetan religious leaders, according to Phayul.
Amnesty demanded that Chinese authorities immediately disclose the lama’s whereabouts and either release him or present credible evidence of a legitimate criminal offence. The organization additionally called for him to be given access to legal counsel and to be allowed contact with his family.
Rights groups say the case is indicative of ongoing repression in Tibetan regions, Phayul reported. This article is sourced from a syndicated feed and published as received; the Tribune assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.
