A bill protecting Tibetan children was passed in the Estonian parliament with overwhelming support, yet the Centre Party members abstained, raising questions about their alignment with Chinese activities in Tibet.
On the previous day, the Estonian Parliament passed a bill aimed at protecting Tibetan children, condemning the actions of Communist China in occupied Tibet and the abduction of local children. The vote passed with a score of 67 in favor and none against, with representatives from every political party supporting it except the Centre Party. Juku-Kalle Raid, head of the parliamentary support group for Tibet, inquired about the Centre Party's reluctance to join other parties in condemning China's actions.
The newly adopted bill highlights the ongoing repression in Tibet under Chinese rule, particularly noting the removal of children from their families and the prohibition of Tibetan language in schools. Raid draws a parallel between the actions taken by China and the reported abductions of children in occupied areas of Ukraine by Russian forces, highlighting the similarities in tactics used for indoctrination.
The refusal of the Centre Party to support the bill raises significant concerns about their political stance and potential sympathies toward authoritarian regimes. This incident not only reflects on the Centre Party's image in Estonia but also raises questions about their broader implications regarding Estonia's foreign policy and human rights advocacy on the international stage.
