On Sunday last week, the much awaited 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia came to an end with France lifting the world cup over Croatia in the final match. A French man named Hugues Picon despite having a ticket to the live world cup match was denied the privilege to witness the victorious moment and was instead jailed in Moscow is the most trended story on our social media.
Mr. Picon imprisonment raises many eyebrows. What could be the reason for his abrupt arrest? Such an act from the host country reveals the lack of universal freedom of expression.
Prior to this misfortunate incident, Mr. Picon was highlighted on our social media for sporting France Jersey bearing Dalai Lama name on it and carrying a Tibetan national flag during the semifinal match between France and Belgium at Saint Petersburg’s stadium in Moscow, Russia, on 10 July 2018.
With his selfless love for Tibet, the yesterday stranger becomes a well-known figure to the Tibetans and Tibet supporters. Although himself a football crazy fan, yet his strong support for the Dalai Lama and Tibet landed him in jail with his props missing the live football match.
In fact, his love for Tibet can be felt from the Tibetan names he has kept for himself and for his son.
Earlier this week, Yeshi Dorjee as he prefers to identify himself, gave an exclusive interview to Tibet TV, “ This action of mine cost me a chance to watch the final match but I am happy with a fact that I managed to do something for Tibet”.
His relation with Tibet and its cause started many years back. In the 1990s he lived in Tibet for sometimes and he had a private audience with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on 14 July 1996 at the latter residence in Dharamshala, HP, India. Since then he has been an avid supporter of Tibetan issue and its cause. He proudly claims (I love Tibet, Feel Tibet and Breath Tibet). He was drawn to Tibet cause due to the very nature of its principle and non-violent approach.
The very same person pulled the same stunt during 1998 Final FIFA football match between France and Brazil. But unfortunately, things turned out differently this time.
Following are the netizens reactions to Mr. Hugues Picon detention for sporting France Jersey bearing Dalai Lama and carrying Tibetan national flag:
In an exclusive interview given to Tibet TV, Mr. Picon says: ” I eat Tibet, I lived in Tibet, Tibet is my life.” Photo / Screengrab@TibetTV / Facebook
A Facebook user @DolmaLhadon writes:” Thank you, Mr. Yeshi Dorje la for showing your support for Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama! Also thank you so much for displaying Tibetan national flag to the world. I really appreciate and respect you for being a true friend of Tibet.” Photo / Screengrab @DolmaLhadon / Facebook
A Facebook user @TenphunTenzin writes:”Salute you for your love for Tibet and highlighting Tibet in the world cup. We are sorry for your detention and missing the final. May Tri Ratna and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s blessings never part you! We all love you! To say Thuk Je Che is too small to express the depth of our admiration and gratitude to you!” Photo / Screengrab@TenphunTenzin / Facebook
A Facebook user @TseringYangkey writes: “Thank you so much Yeshe Dorje for your profound support. I salute you for your courage, determination, and love for Tibet. You must be a Tibetan in your previous life. Bravo bro! God bless you.” Photo / Screengrab@TseringYangkey / Facebook
A Facebook user @SereneSerene writes:”Thank you, sir. My eyes fill with tears when I listen to you. Thank you so much for supporting us. Its give me such a good feeling, hopeful that there is still brave and honest human being like you. We love you. Otherwise, I feel like we are always been discriminated!” Photo / Screengrab @SereneSerene / Facebook
A Facebook user @FranciscoRibeiro writes: “I also love Tibet, I placed on the roof of my truck a flag of Tibet, in support of the cause of Freedom of Tibet, I live in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo / Screengrab @FranciscoRibeiro / Facebook
