October 2, 2015
A group of former political prisoners organised a mass and candlelight vigil at Song Ngoc Parish of the Vinh diocese in Nghe An Province on September 30, 2015.
The group was part of a larger crackdown on Vietnamese youth activists in 2011 who were sentenced between three to thirteen years in prison. Those present at the mass include Chu Manh Son, Tran Huu Duc, Dau Van Duong, Paulus Le Van Son, Nguyen Van Duyet, Ho Van Oanh, Thai Van Dung and Nguyen Van Oai.
The service was opened by Father JB Nguyen Dinh Thuc.
“The communist regime has imprisoned children who love their homeland, those who have the courage to speak up for justice, peace and truth. After their years in prison, we are thankful they have returned peacefully,” said Father Thuc. “We should not forget our brothers and sisters who are still suffering in prison. Let us pray for the end to the communist regime and a brighter future for our country.”
The group of released prisoners of conscience were invited to lead the congregation during the vigil for Dang Xuan Dieu, Ho Duc Hoa and Nguyen Dang Minh Man who still remain imprisoned.
Dang Xuan Dieu, Ho Duc Hoa and Nguyen Dang Minh Man are social activists and bloggers who have been arbitrarily detained since late July 2011. Dang Xuan Dieu and Ho Duc Hoa was sentenced to 13 years in prison and Nguyen Dang Minh Man was sentenced to eight years in prison.
The mass ended with prayers for justice and peace in the near future.
