International Campaign for Tibet - Brussels Office

New images from Tibet depict self-immolation of Dorje Rinchen in Labrang today and aftermath

・ International Campaign for Tibet

A remarkable new set of images from Labrang today depict the self-immolation of Dorje Rinchen and its aftermath, showing the Tibetan farmer running down the street ablaze, and a buildup of troops in confrontation with local people trying to protect Dorje Rinchen.

The self-immolation of Dorje Rinchen has been confirmed by the Chinese state media today (October 23) and is the second self-immolation at Labrang in eastern Tibet in two days.

Dorje Rinchen ablaze after he set fire to himself today (October 23).
Dorje Rinchen ablaze after he set fire to himself today (October 23).

 

Dorje Rinchen collapses to the ground in Labrang.
Dorje Rinchen collapses to the ground in Labrang.

 

Troops are seen closing in on Dorje Rinchen's body after he has self-immolated.
Troops are seen closing in on Dorje Rinchen’s body after he has self-immolated. Smoke can still be seen arising from his body and it is not clear if he was still alive at this point. Laypeople and monks are trying to protect him from being taken away by troops. In Tibetan tradition, it is important to protect the body of someone who has died for religious ritual and offerings in order to ensure an auspicious rebirth. Since the self-immolations began in Tibet in 2009, many Tibetans have taken great risks to retrieve the bodies of those who have self-immolated in order to carry out religious practice.

 

Troops are seen closing in on Dorje Rinchen's body after he has self-immolated.
Troops are seen closing in on Dorje Rinchen’s body after he has self-immolated. Smoke can still be seen arising from his body and it is not clear if he was still alive at this point. Laypeople and monks are trying to protect him from being taken away by troops. In Tibetan tradition, it is important to protect the body of someone who has died for religious ritual and offerings in order to ensure an auspicious rebirth. Since the self-immolations began in Tibet in 2009, many Tibetans have taken great risks to retrieve the bodies of those who have self-immolated in order to carry out religious practice.

 

 

A women looks at the burned body of Dorje Rinchen following his self-immolation.
A women looks at the burned body of Dorje Rinchen following his self-immolation. (Faces blurred by ICT)

 

Armed police in riot gear block a road near the site of the self-immolation.
Armed police in riot gear block a road near the site of the self-immolation.