Washington demonstrations include candlelight vigil and demands for political prisoners

After the Capitol rally, protesters will proceed to Franklin Park for an evening candle‑light ceremony. The ceremony, coordinated by the Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet, Ryan Fiorese, will invoke the memory of the 11th Panchen Lama and call for the release of all Tibetan political prisoners. Participants will also demand an end to policies that they say compel minorities to abandon their cultural, religious and linguistic heritage. The event aims to keep international attention on China's human‑rights record as President Xi prepares for his state visit.