5th November 2010
President Nguyen Minh Triet
Office of the President
1 Bach Thao
Hanoi
Vietnam
Dear Sir
Re : Pham Minh Hoang – Duong Kim Khai – Tran Thi Thuy – Nguyen Thanh Tam – Tran Khai Thanh Thuy
It has come to my attention that the aforementioned people have been detained under questionable circumstances. I have been informed that Hong Vo, another member of Viet Tan, from Melbourne has already been released and I formally commend toy for this honourable result. However, I wish to formally present my concern regarding the detainment of the five other detainees. I am in no doubt that their notives were completely humanitarian and that they simply had a genuine desire to assist their fellowman in raising their voices to injustice, certainly not to purposefully aggravate the Vietnam Government.
It is also of concern to me that reports of abuse inside the prison towards these people may have occured, if so, I wish to strongly voice my opposition to such procedures and request that they be looked after according to Vietnam’s obligations as a signatory to the International Convention of Civil and Political Rights.
I respectfully request the release of these five people back to their families and look forward to hearing of the continual progress of the Nation of Vietnam, not only in its humanitarian responsibilities but also economic growth and fiscal independence.
Yours sincerely,
Ian M Britza, MLA
State Member for Morley
Parliament of Western Australia