After a video of the Dalai Lama acting inappropriately toward a boy went viral, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a South African opposition group, has demanded that Indian authorities detain and prosecute the Tibetan leader for child abuse.
The 87-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader can be seen in the video inviting a young child to “suck his tongue” while kissing him on the lips at a public gathering.
The incident seems to have occurred in February at the temple of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.
The Dalai Lama has apologized, saying that he regrets the occurrence, in response to a widespread international outrage over the matter.
In Tibet, sticking one’s tongue out might be a sign of welcoming.
The EFF said the “lame apology” should be rejected as it came a month after the incident.
Its statement said the Indian authorities needed to send a stern warning “to all those who dare to harm children that they will be prosecuted harshly regardless of their status”.
The Dalai Lama has been living in exile in India since fleeing Tibet in 1959, following an uprising against Chinese rule there.