October 19, 2010
The Hon Kevin Rudd MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Minister
We are writing to express our concerns in regards to the arrest of four Vietnamese human rights activists. We hope that you will investigate the matter and take appropriate actions to ensure that they are treated fairly.
The individuals listed below peacefully expressed their concerns of social justice and freedom of religion in their country. We have been notified that the Vietnamese government has detained the political prisoners accusing them of “aiming to overthrow the socialist government” a crime which may lead to a death penalty.
The names, ages and occupation of the political prisoners along with the date of arrest are as follows:
- Mr. Pham Minh Hoang, 55 years old, lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, arrested on August 13, 2010 in Saigon.
- Pastor Duong Kim Khai, 52 years old, member of the Mennonite Church of Vietnam, arrested on August 10, 2010 in Saigon.
- Ms. Tran Thi Thuy, 39 years old, merchant, arrested on August 10, 2010 in Dong Thap.
- Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tam, 57 years old, farmer, arrested on July 18, 2010 in Ben Tre.
As a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Right (ICCPR), the international community expects Vietnam to uphold civil and political rights of individuals, including the most basic of rights – freedoms of speech, press, expression, religion and assembly.
Since its World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession Vietnam’s positive economic development has been commendable. However the government’s attitude towards human rights remains of concern.
Australia is a nation which greatly respects human rights. This respect is echoed through our political and legal system and embedded in our culture.
As concerned Members of Parliament, we request that you investigate this matter further with a view to making representations to the Government of Vietnam.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Chris Hayes MP
Member for Fowler
Hon Chris Bowen MP
Member for McMahon
