The European Parliament condemned the violation of religious freedom in Tibet

Today, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning China's harsh assimilationist practices in Tibet and serious violations of religious freedoms. MEPs warn that China is trying to erase Tibetan culture and spiritual traditions - including by interfering in the selection of religious leaders, including the future Dalai Lama.

Particular attention is being paid by MEPs to the case of Tibetan cleric Tulku Hungkar Dorje, who died in unclear circumstances in Vietnamese custody at the end of March after being detained by Chinese and Vietnamese authorities. His body was cremated without his family's knowledge, which raises serious doubts. Parliament is calling for an international, independent and transparent investigation and the return of the remains to the family.

MEPs also draw attention to the transnational repression - they say the Chinese authorities are persecuting Tibetan monks, forcibly assimilating children in boarding schools and pressurising clerics to adopt the official ideology of the Communist Party.

Parliament is calling on the EU to adopt sanctions against the individuals and institutions responsible for these human rights violations and is calling on the Member States to suspend extradition agreements with China. It also calls for the release of all religious and political prisoners, including the rightful Panchen Lama and the Uighur academic Ilham Tohti.