The Hon Nguyen Tan Dung
Prime Minister
Socialist Republic Vietnam
2 Hoang Van Thu Street
HANOI VIETNAM
Dear Prime Minister
RE : RELEASE OF PEACEFUL DEMOCRACY ACTIVISTS IN VIETNAM
I have been informed of the recent release of members and supporters of Viet Tan in Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Viet Trung, Mr Truong Van Ba and Mrs Nguyen Thi Thanh Van, and I, like many others, appreciate your decision.
However, I am advised that unfortunately your Government continues to detain Dr Nguyen Quoc Quan (US citizen), Mr Nguyen The Vu (Vietenamese citizen) and Mr Somsak Khunmi (Thai citizen).
I am also given to understand that these three people will be brought to trial next week on 13 May 2008.
I am given to understand that these are peaceful citizens and the reason for their arrests was simply for participating in discussions and publishing information on democratic values. These are basic rights of every human being, rights which Vietnam has acknowledged by signing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
I am very concerned about these individuals and call upon you, Prime Minister, to release these peaceful activists lest it portray Vietnam to the international community as a haven of oppression and intolerance.
I trust you will do all in your power to arrange for their release.