8 April 2011
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Hoang Van Thu Street
HA NOI
VIET NAM
Dear Prime Minister,
I am deeply concerned by reports I have received surrounding the conviction and sentencing of Dr. Cu Huy Ha Vu to seven years imprisonment and three subsequent years of house arrest, on charges of “propagandizing against the government.”
I am equally concerned by reports that the conviction occurred in circumstances where there was a lack of due process, where Dr. Vu was denied proper legal representation and where several persons who sought to peacefully observe the proceedings were detained.
I feel that this conviction calls into question Vietnam’s commitment to reform, as well as undermining the basic principles of freedom of speech, the rule of law and human rights.
No person should be imprisoned for peacefully exercising their right to free speech, nor for using the legal system to uphold basic human rights and principles of accountability.
I strongly urge the Government of Vietnam to release from custody D. Cu Huy Ha Vu and those who sought to peacefully observe the trial.
Yours sincerely
LUKE SIMPKINS
Federal Member for Cowan.