The Dalai Lama criticized China’s censorship while video chatting with Desmond Tutu amid claims that China prevented him from traveling to South Africa. Al Jazeera reports:
The Dalai Lama has slammed censorship in China as “immoral”, following accusations that the Chinese government blocked him from traveling to South Africa to celebrate Desmond Tutu’s 80th birthday.
The Tibetan spiritual leader spoke with Tutu on Saturday, answering questions via a video link, instead of attending an event to honour the South African anti-apartheid activist a day after his birthday ….
The Dalai Lama told Tutu when asked why the Chinese feared him that “some Chinese officials describe me as a demon so naturally some fear about the demon.”
He said hypocrisy and telling lies had unfortunately become part of life in “the communist totalitarian system” and people who spoke truthfully and honestly sparked discomfort.
The Telegraph also reports that the Dalai Lama urged China to put its judicial system up to international standards:
China clearly had the potential to take “a constructive role” in the world, said the Dalai Lama.
“Respect, trust from the rest of the world is very necessary. For that reason, transparency is very essential,” he added.
See also Dalai Lama Cancels Highly Charged South Africa Trip and Two More Self Immolations Near Kirti Monastery One Possibly Fatal, via CDT.
