Lobga Rangzen, a Tibetan independence activist active in the United States, committed suicide by self-immolation in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York on the evening of the 2nd.
He had previously expressed dissatisfaction with China's "National Unity Promotion Law," passed in March and effective July 1st. In a video recorded on Facebook, Lobsang Rinchen expressed his hope that exiled Tibetans would not forget their responsibilities. He stated that the suffering of Tibetans stems from the loss of their country and urged exiled Tibetans to unite regardless of region or sect, continuing the struggle for Tibet.
Lobga Rangzen, a Tibetan independence activist active in the United States, died by self-immolation in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York on the evening of July 2. He had previously expressed dissatisfaction with China's "Law on Promoting National Unity," passed in March and effective July 1.
According to Reuters, Voice of Tibet, and other media outlets, Lobsang Rinchen, a Tibetan activist residing in the United States, protested against the Chinese Communist Party by self-immolating while carrying a Tibetan flag and distributing leaflets. The incident occurred one day after China's "Law on Promoting National Unity" came into effect. New York police transported him to Bellevue Hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries. The news shocked the world.
Kelsang Gyaltsen, the Central Tibetan Administration's representative in Taiwan, told this station that Lobsang Rangzang was an active figure in the pursuit of Tibetan independence, with a cheerful and positive personality. Everyone expressed their regret and sorrow at his passing. Tibetans from all over the world will also pray for him and dedicate merit to him.
Gesang Gyaltsen pointed out that Loka Rangzan was "a freedom fighter in Tibet who used his own life to awaken people of conscience in various countries to pay more attention to these issues. I think that the significance of his sacrifice, or rather, letting everyone know the true evil face of the CCP, should play a promoting and helpful role."
On the evening of the 2nd, many Tibetans gathered in front of the United Nations headquarters and chanted slogans to commemorate Lobsang Rinchen.
Before his actions, Lhokha Rangzen recorded a video in his garage leaving his will, which he posted on Facebook. He chose his own name, with "Rangzen" meaning "independence" in Tibetan. He expressed his hope that exiled Tibetans would not forget their responsibilities. He stated that the suffering of Tibetans stems from the loss of their country. He also appealed to exiled Tibetans to transcend regional and sectarian distinctions, to truly unite, and to continue the struggle for Tibet.
After China implemented the "Law on Promoting National Unity and Progress" on July 1, Tibetans in various regions expressed their protests through rallies and marches. Countries such as the United States and the European Union also expressed their concerns, believing that the law would weaken the educational and religious freedom of ethnic minorities and provide a so-called legal basis for "cross-border repression."
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te considers this an "evil law" and vows to establish countermeasures, refusing to allow the black hands of red terror and united front infiltration into Taiwanese society. The Executive Yuan has also established a "Cross-border Repression Assistance Platform" to help protect public safety.
