Tibetan Monk Delek Rinpoche cremated in Chinese prison against family's wishes

Tibetan Monk dies in Chinese Prison.

Tibetan Monk, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's body has been cremated against the will of his family in a secret Chinese prison. Prior to the cremation, protests erupted after news that the Monk was killed while in prison.

MUNTINLUPA CITY, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Rinpoche's body was confirmed cremated, after he died in a Chinese prison earlier this week, according to the Students for a Free Tibet. His body was cremated in a secret prison, located around five kilometers away from the Chuandong prison Chengu. The report confirmed by AFP has already reached the Monk's family in India.

According to the SFT, "The cremation took place against the wishes of his family to release the body in order to perform the final Buddhist rites in his hometown Lithang."

Several protests were already held in Rinpoche's hometown, as well as areas in China, prior to the news of his death. Tibetan rights groups also held protests, where several people involved were injured once police open-fired against protestors.

Around 30 relatives and students were allowed to see Rinpoche's body before the cremation. According to his family, the conditions in the Chinese prison are "worthy for a beggar." The protestors were infuriated with the decision of the Chinese government to deprive Rinpoche of a traditional Tibetan burial.

Rinpoche was 65-years-old when he was sentenced with life imprisonment for terrorism and separatist. He was convicted of charges in separatism for being involved in a public bombing in a public square. Rinpoche's reporters claim he was innocent. The Tibetan Monk was on his 13th year serving before he died.

"I am heartbroken, but also extremely angry. My family cannot accept this. We will not stop demanding justice until we have answers," expressed Rinpoche's cousin.

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