January 10, 2008
The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
I am writing to ask for your help regarding the arrest and detention of six individuals – who were peacefully expressing pro-democracy sentiments – by the Vietnamese Government In Vietnam on November 17, 2007. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan, one of the six detained on that date, is a United Slates citizen and a resident of Sacramento, California . I request your immediate assistance in asking the Government of Vietnam for his, and the other detainees’ safe return home.
The names of the detained individual, are as follow:
• Dr. Nguyen, Quoc Quan: Citizen of the United States
• Mr, Truong, Lion (Van Ba): Citizen of the United States (released December 13, 2007)
• Ms. Nguyen, Thanh Van: Citizen of France (released December 13, 2007)
• Mr. Nguyen, The Vu: Citizen of Vietnam
• Mr. Nguyen, The Khiem: Citizen of Vietnam
• Mr. Khunmi, Somsak: Citizen of Thailand
As members of Viet Tan, an international pro-democracy group, these individuals were promoting peaceful democratic change within Vietnam. At the time of arrest, the six were reportedly handing out flyers calling for nonviolent democratic change. Their detention has been criticized by elected officials and leaders worldwide.
As a leader of both the national and international levels, you have the ability to have tremendous Influence in this matter. I request your assistance in asking the Government of Vietnam for the immediate release of Dr. Quan and the remaining detainees. Further, please communicate to the Vietnamese government that the detention of innocent citizens, and violation of internationally-recognized human rights, is unacceptable now and in the future.
Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this urgent matter. Please feel free to contact me or Melanie Ramil of my staff at (916) 319-2009 should you have further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dave Jones
Assemblymember, 9th District