Hon Nguyen Tan Dung
Prime Minister
35 Ngo Quyen Hoang Hoa Tham
Ha Noi
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Dear Prime Minister,
I have written to you several times about Vietnam’s appalling human rights record.
I am extremely disappointed that I again find myself writing to you – this time about the incarceration of Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly and the sentencing of fourth other pro-democracy activists, Mr. Nguyen Phong, Mr. Nguyen Binh Thanh, Ms Hoang Thi Anh Dao and Ms Le Thi Le Hang.
I was horrified to see Father Ly physically gagged in the court room by your police officials.
Your government went to great lengths during your hosting of APEC to portray improvements in human rights. It also appears that the WTO was misled about your human rights record in admitting Vietnam to this prestigious body.
I believe that all five are prisoners of conscience; unjustly incarcerated for courageously standing up for human rights and freedom of speech in Vietnam.
I am aware that Vietnam is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Bering this in mind, I humbly request that Vietnam ceases all political, religious and social oppression which grossly violates and degrades human rights in your country.
Vietnam can positively reflect commitment to its human rights obligations by immediately releasing Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly, Mr. Nguyen Phong, Mr. Nguyen Binh Thanh, Ms Hoang Thi Anh Dao and Ms Le Thi Le Hang.
Please do not betray the trust so many people have placed in Vietnam.
Yours sincerely
Gary Humphries
Senator for the ACT
April 2007
