December 23, 2009
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung
c/o Embassy of Vietnam
1233 20tb Street NW #400
Washington, DC 20036
Dear Prime Minister Dung:
I am writing to follow up on my previously expressed concerns regarding the arrest and jailing of writer Tran Khai Thanh Thuy.
I remain extremely concerned about the repressive climate in Vietnam. The arrest of Tran Khai Thanh Thuy under draconian propaganda laws for merely peacefully advocating democracy is troubling. Not only does it undermine the Vietnamese government’s claims of respecting human rights, but it violates Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression, and to which Vietnam is a signatory. Beyond the Vietnamese government’s failure to tolerate views that threaten the current regime, I am further troubled by reports of the treatment of Tran Khai Thanh Thuy following her unjust imprisonment.
It has recently been reported that Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, who suffers from diabetes and tuberculosis, has been refused medical attention while detained. International law dictates that prisoners have access to health services without being discriminated against due to their legal situation, and I urge you to ensure that the Vietnamese government is in compliance with these principles and that Tran Khai Thanh Thuy is receiving necessary medical visits.
I would like to receive an update on the condition of Tran Khai Thanh Thuy as soon as possible.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Zoe Lofgren
Member of Congress