Office of the Dalai Lama's representative attacked in South Africa

The residence and office of Dhondup Gyalpo, the Dalai Lama’s representative in South Africa, was targeted in a firebomb attack in Centurion, near Pretoria. The attack, which occurred late at night on October 14, involved Molotov cocktails that caused extensive damage to the building, furniture, and official documents. Mr. Gyalpo escaped the smoke-filled property by breaking a window, sustaining minor injuries from broken glass.

This incident marks the second such attack on the office in recent months, following a previous firebombing attempt in July. Activists and the Canada Tibet Committee have condemned the violence, characterizing it as an act of intimidation. Some groups have raised concerns regarding potential transnational repression, calling for investigations into possible foreign involvement and urging the South African government to treat the matter with high priority rather than as a routine criminal case.