Viet Tan Alert
June 24, 2019
Democracy activist Le Dinh Luong faces reprisals for organizing fellow prisoners
Vietnamese authorities have punished democracy activist Le Dinh Luong for organizing other prisoners of conscience being detained at Nam Ha Prison.
According to his daughter-in-law, Le Dinh Luong has been prevented from making phone calls to his family and purchasing any additional food in prison. The family is concerned that he may face additional reprisals.
Le Dinh Luong met with prisoners of conscience Nguyen Viet Dung, Phan Kim Khanh and Le Thanh Tung during an exercise break, suggesting they work together to submit a petition to the National Assembly regarding the rights of prisoners being violated during detention. All three prisoners were previously convicted of anti-state propaganda or subversion.
According to family reports, Le Dinh Luong has not received any books nor food sent by his family since early February. Authorities have also refused his requests for a Bible and to see a priest. The family has attempted to appeal to the deputy prison warden of Nam Ha Prison (in Ha Nam province) without resolution.
Le Dinh Luong was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year for “activities attempting to overthrow the state”, the longest prison term for an activist to date. Le Dinh Luong is known for his organizing and reporting of the Formosa environmental disaster and its impact on local fishing communities.
Media Legal Defence Initiative filed a petition filed last year to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
