Panchen Lama reaches age 18

(BBC) April 25, 2007 was the 18th birthday of Gendun Choekyi Nyima, who
was recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama when he was aged five but taken
away by the Chinese authorities who rejected his appointment and nominated
their own Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, in 1995. Beijing says Gendun is living
a ‘normal’ life but refuses to provide access to the boy. His birthday was marked
by protests across the world. Many human rights organizations and campaigning
groups also issued statements calling on Beijing to allow international access to
the young man. A government spokesman told the BBC that Tibetans were
guaranteed normal religious freedoms, but he refused to reveal where Gendun
Cheokyi Nyima was living. Campaigners hope the boy's 18th birthday may change
the approach of the Chinese authorities to his situation.