June 17, 2008
Why is free speech a crime in Vietnam?
On the eve of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit, Members of Congress and human rights activists call for political freedom in Vietnam
WHAT: Nguyen Tan Dung, prime minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, will be meeting with President Bush next week.
While Mr. Dung will try to project the image of a Vietnam open to business, his government continues to operate a police state at home, repressing political expression and religious freedom. Over the last year, scores of democracy activists have been imprisoned for “propaganda against the socialist state.” Even an American citizen, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan of Sacramento, California, was detained for six months for distributing pro-democracy literature.
With Vietnam engulfed in economic crisis—and increasing labor strikes and farmer protests—the press conference will examine the need for human rights, transparency and government accountability in Vietnam.
WHO: Rep. Loretta Sanchez (confirmed)
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (confirmed)
Rep. Chris Smith (confirmed)
Rep. Frank Wolf (confirmed)
Rep. Ed Royce (invited)
Additional speakers & Members of Congress to be announced.
WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 2008
10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
WHERE: Cannon Terrace – US Capitol
Contact:
Dr. Binh Nguyen 240-731-3630
Dan Hoang 202-470-1678