Reporting from Saigon, July 2, 2007
Following the disruption in communication with Miss Cao Que Hoa, one of the participants of the protest in Saigon, we have re-connected with her and learned that after speaking with the foreign media about the protest, Hoa was detained by the police.
The protest began when aggrieved citizens from Tien Giang Province gathered in front of the National Assembly office II in Saigon to demand justice for their land and properties that were confiscated by government officials. According to Ms. Cao’s report, the protesters are increasing in numbers because more aggrieved citizens from Binh Phuoc, An Giang, Bac Lieu, Hau Giang, Ben Tre, Kien Giang, Co Do, Ba Ria and Vung Tau are converging in Saigon to join forces. The number has increased to a thousand.
Miss Cao was handcuffed and forced onto the bus with others and taken to the precinct. Her mobile telephone was confiscated because she had previous made contact with oversea media about the protest.
At the precinct, Ms. Cao was interrogated by Nguyen Chi Thi, Chief Police of Tien Giang Province. He told her to stop participating in the protest. Ms. Cao was released at 1:00 AM on July 1st. Despite being under surveillance by the police, Ms. Cao managed to escape from her house and got back to the protest at 2:00 PM on July 1st.
“I protest the police’s actions that violated my rights on June 30th,” Hoa told us from the protest. “President Nguyen Minh Triet went to America and pledged human rights for the people of Vietnam, but we do not have basic rights. Am I guilty for demanding justice? Is that why the Vietnamese police have treated me so brutally?”
The numbers of the protesters are increasing closer to a thousand. Protesters are surrounded by uniform and plain-clothed police. Power was cut off. It’s becoming very difficult to record and photograph the protest.
Meanwhile, the protest continues and is growing strong with people holding banners and signs demanding for justice.
Location of protest: National Assembly II, 194 Hoang Van Thu Street, Phu Nhuan district, Saigon
