The Hon Julie Bishop MP
Minister of Foreign Affairs
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister
I am writing to request your urgent attention on the issue of human rights violation in Vietnam, namely, the detention of three human rights activists: Mrs Thi Minh Hang Bui, Ms Thi Thuy Quynh Nguyen and Mr Van Minh Nguyen.
I have received an email from Mr Bui Trung Tran, Mrs Bui’s, to advise that Mrs Bui, Ms Nguyen and Mr Nguyen are currently being held unlawfully at An Binh detention camp (Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam).
Mr Tran advised that on 11 February 2014, a group of around 20 members, including Mrs Bui, Ms Nguyen and Mr Nguyen were violently attacked and arrested by the Lap Vo Province local police force when they were on the way to visit the family of a Vietnamese political prisoner. They were brutally beaten and subsequently detained without trial at An Binh detention camp.
I am further advised that family and friends have not been allowed to visit the detainees. Mr Tran is greatly concerned for the safety and well-being of his mother as there has been no information provided regarding the reason for the arrest, hearing schedule and eligibility for release.
I am also advised that prior to this incident, in 2011, Mrs Bui was detained without trial to up to two years for participating in a peaceful protest against Chinese territorial claims on the Spratly and Paracel islands.
The lack of due process contradicts Vietnam’s commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is inconsistent with Vietnam’s position on the United National Human Rights Convention. I respectfully request the Australian Government’s close interest in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
CHRIS HAYES MP
Chief Opposition Whip
