From The New York Times (link):
China condemned exiled Tibetans and international human rights watchdogs on Friday for calling a Tibetan youth the world’s youngest political prisoner, saying their aim is to push for independence for the Himalayan region.
The whereabouts of Gendun Choekyi Nyima, 17, who pro-Tibet groups say has been under house arrest since the region’s exiled god-king, the Dalai Lama, appointed him the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995, is one of China’s most keenly guarded secrets.
In reply to questions submitted by Reuters, the State Council Information Office said China had not arranged meetings between the boy and foreign organizations or media out of respect for the family’s wishes not to be disturbed.
