The Honourable Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
House of Representatives
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra QLD 2600
Dear Minister,
I am writing on behalf of Duc Truong, member of the Vietnam Reform Party of Queensland and resident of my electorate.
The Viet Tan (Vietnam Reform Party) aim to establish democracy and reform Vietnam through peaceful means. The Viet Tan members in our community are urging our Government to represent their voice to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung or President Nguyen Minh Triet to release political prisoners in Vietnam, in particular those members of Bloc 8406. This group of Vietnamese activists will be brought to trial on September 24th for crimes against the state relating to their pro democracy and human rights activities. Members of the Viet Tan believe the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is breaching the rights of its citizens by criminalising free speech.
I ask that your make representation to the Vietnamese Government on behalf of the Vietnamese community to allow the accused to have access to a defence lawyer, have representation from international human rights agencies and the Australian Embassy to have observers attending the court and monitor the situation.
Given the time frame associated with this situation I ask that you consider this matter urgently.
Yours Sincerely,
Bernie Ripoll