By Khulile Thwala
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have joined the international outcry calling on the Indian government to arrest Spiritual Leader the Dalai Lama after a video surfaced of him having an inappropriate interaction with a young boy.
In the trending video, the young boy can be seen approaching the 87-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner before asking: “Can I hug you?” The spiritual leader then invites the boy on stage and points to his cheek and says, “First here,” prompting the boy to give him a hug and a kiss.
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As the interaction continues, the Dalai Lama then points to his lips, and says: “Then I think finally here also.” He then pulls the boy’s chin and kisses him on the mouth.
“And suck my tongue,” he says after a few seconds, poking his tongue out. The Dalai Lama’s office has recently apologised for his inappropriate behaviour, however, the EFF says the apology should be rejected.
“The lame apology issued from the Dalai Lama Office must be rejected with condemnation. Child abuse cannot be apologised away. It is also telling that the apology was issued almost a month after the deplorable incident and only after mounting pressure from activists against child abuse,” said EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Tambo.
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“This supposed apology failed to state that his acts were grossly abusive. Religious leaders are expected to be protectors, not abusers of the most vulnerable in society. Child abuse is rampant worldwide.
“Children are not safe in their homes, schools, public spaces, and with religious leaders. The law must not be spared on any religious leader who indulges in abusive acts,” Tambo said.