Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) call on police to arrest Dalai Lama for child abuse. The Dalai Lama, a respected spiritual figure in many places, is facing a request for his arrest following a recent incident.
This appeal comes after a video showing an interaction between him and a child went viral. In the clip, the 87-year-old is seen kissing a young boy on the lips and asking him to suck his tongue at a public event. To this end, he published a video in which he apologized for his actions and regretted the incident.
Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama, recognized as a reincarnation of his predecessor and currently the highest spiritual leader in Tibet. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 in recognition of his struggle against violence and his advocacy of Tibet’s liberation from Chinese domination. He is also universally recognized as a political and religious leader.
The reaction to this incident was controversial. Some argue that this does not meet the standards of respect and ownership, given the Dalai Lama’s stature. Others point out that in Tibetan culture, it’s common for older people to give food through their mouths to younger people, and that the expression “eat my tongue” is a playful one. However, abuse in the spiritual context is a recurring problem in many cultures, including Africa, where some people are manipulated and abused by religious representatives.
Read more: Mass murder in Kenya: “Pastor Mackenzie” accused of abusing and killing his followers
The Dalai Lama’s belated reaction: EFF demands concrete measures
Following the Dalai Lama’s apology, the EFF, a South African political party, said that despite his apology, it was not acceptable that he had intervened a month after the incident. Indeed, after the publication of this video, which caused a worldwide buzz, the spiritual leader did not speak out until a month after the incident. The political party said the Indian authorities should send a stern warning to child abusers, whatever their status.
Breaking the silence: Abuse, manipulation and vigilance in families and communities
It is of the utmost importance to recognize that abuse and manipulation occur within many families and communities, requiring frank discussion to protect the most vulnerable individuals. Africa, notably Kenya, has unfortunately seen an alarming example of this dynamic, with a pastor inciting his followers to undertake a 40-day period of prayer in a forest with a view to meeting Christ. However, the result was tragic, leaving behind a trail of remains found in the forest.
When faced with such situations, it becomes imperative to use discernment and critical thinking when someone urges you to perform particular acts. Encouraging a culture of vigilance and education within communities is crucial. Education on recognizing the signs of abuse, the importance of reporting suspicious handling and promoting open communication can play a significant role in protecting vulnerable individuals. Moreover, religious authorities and community leaders have a major role to play in offering ethical guidance, advocating caution in the face of dubious requests, and providing resources for learning to discern and react responsibly.
Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video
