Michael Keenan MP
Federal Member for Stirling
Shadow Assistant Treasurer
Shadow Minister for Superannuation & Corporate Governance
9 May 2008
The Hon Nguyen Tan Dung
Prime Minister
Socialist Republic Vietnam
2 Hoang Van Thu Street
HANOI VIETNAM
Dear Prime Minister,
Supporters of Vietnam Reform Party (Viet Tan)
I have received representations from Vietnamese/Australian community leaders within my electorate regarding the situation concerning members of the Vietnam Reform Party who were arrested as they were preparing to distribute leaflets promoting democracy through non-violent means.
I understand that some of those who were detained have since been released but that Dr Nguyen Quoc Quan (American citizen), Mr Somsak Khunmi (Thai Citizen) and Mr Nguyen The Vu (Vietnamese citizen) are still under arrest and face trail on the 13 May 2008.
The purpose of this letter is to make representations to you to allow international media to attend the trial in order that it can be seen by Australia and the world in general, that these people are given a fair trial, which is the right of any citizen regardless of their country of origin.
Prime Minister, this is a real opportunity for you Government to demonstrate to the world that Vietnam is a country that deals with issues such as these in a fair and democratic manner and will not tolerate people being dealt with in an oppressive way.
On behalf of all Australian citizens, regardless of their country of origin I urge you to show compassion in this matter and arrange for their speedy release following their trial which will, I am certain, confirm that they were only involved in peaceful pursuit of democracy,
Yours sincerely,
Michael Keenan MP
