June 18, 2012
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Office of the State
1 Bach Thao
Hanoi, Vietnam
Dear Prime Minister,
I am informed of an alarming increase in arbitraly arrests within your country over the last year. The most recent being the arrest of long time democracy activist and Mathematician, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan on April 17, 2012. It is understood that there is no evidence against Dr. Nguyen and he is being held without charge, without access to a lawyer and without visitation by family. His wife Ngo Mai Huong and two children are desperate to see his immediate release. Being a member of Viet Tan is not a reason for incarceration.
I remind you that such incarceration violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the Human Rights Declaration of which Vietnam is a signatory.
I also once again bring to your attention the recent trial and sentencing of 4 of the 17 Catholics and Christians. I am alarmed to hear that Chu Manh Son, Dau Van Duong, Tran Huu Duc and Hoang Phong were sentenced on May 14, 2012 behind closed doors charged with article 88 “propaganda against the state”. I also draw your attention to the remaining thirteen, Ho Duc Hoa, Dang Xuan Dieu, Nguyen Van Oai, Nguyen Dinh Cuong, Nguyen Van Duyet, Ho Van Oanh, Tran Vu Anh Binh, Nong Hung Anh, Thai Van Dung, Ta Phong Tan, Nguyen Xuan Anh, Tran Minh Nhat, and Le Van Son. All of whom were arrested arbitrarily and have not had representation since the earliest arrest on July 30, 2011.
I am greatly disappointed to continue to receive reports of ongoing arbitrary arrests. According to human rights organizations, these young activists are noted bloggers, community organizers, and faithful parishioners. According to family sources, their detentions came without any official notification or explanation.
I ask that your government provides those incarcerated with the protection that the Covenant guarantees. I ask that they are allowed unrestricted access to lawyers, visitations from their families and friends, and that their health and wellbeing is assured.
I am also continually troubles by ongoing cases that have not been resolved favourably by your Government, despite international concern. I speak of noted humain rights defenders such as Lawyer Cu Huy Ha Vu, Le Cong Dinh, Pastor Duong Kim Khai, Vi Duc Hoi, blogger Dieu Cay, and song writer Viet Khang to name but a few.
We call on you to unconditionally and immediately release these human rights and democracy activists and returm them tho their families and communities.
Thanh you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Ian M Britza MLA
Member of the Western Australian Parliament
State Electorate of Morley
