The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of State
United States Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Rice,
We write to convey our concern over reports of mistreatment of human rights advocates in Vietnam. This is a serious matter that we believe should be raised with the Vietnamese government.
Three recent cases are of particular concern. On February 18, 2007, Father Nguyen Van Ly was put under house arrest in a remote area of Vietnam after his parish house was raided. Father Ly was a leading proponent of human rights and religious freedom. A few weeks later on March 30th Father Ly was sentenced was sentenced to 8 years in prison.
On March 6, 2007, the Vietnamese authorities arrested attorney Le Thi Cong-Nhan and attorney Nguyen Van Dai, both of whom were advocates for human rights. They are being held for disseminating propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
We are confident that you are aware of these incidents, and that you share our views on the importance of promoting respects for human right in Vietnam and around the world. We would appreciate it if you could provide us with an update on steps you have taken to raise this issue with the government of Vietnam, and on the current United States policy with respect to human rights in Vietnam.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
John F. Kerry
Edward M. Kennedy
