August 30, 2011
Between 30 July and 16 August 2011, eight human rights defenders were arrested by police officers and officials of the Ministry of Public Security, and are currently being held incommunicado at an unknown location. Since their arrests, their fate and whereabouts are unknown.
Further Information
The detained human rights defenders are affiliated with the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Dong Chua Cuu) and are actively involved in the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights in Vietnam. The human rights defenders had recently signed a petition calling for the release of Dr Cu Huy Ha Vu, a prominent human rights defender who was imprisoned for seven years in April 2011, after he campaigned for multi-party democracy in Vietnam. The petition also criticised Article 88 of the Vietnamese Penal Code which outlaws the right to freedom of expression.
On 16 August 2011, Mr Ho Van Oanh, a member of Yen Hoa Parish was arrested and detained. He has been involved in the promotion of human rights through his parish In April 2011, he was detained temporarily whilst attempting to attend the trial of Cu Huy Ha Vu.
On 7 August 2011, Mr Nguyen Van Duyet, President of the Association of Catholic Workers was arrested in Nghe An.
On 3 August 2011, Mr Paulus Le Van Son, a blogger, HIV activist, and journalist who writes on social justice issues in Vietnam, was arrested by police in front of his home on Bui Xuong Trach street in Hanoi. Police officers reportedly blocked off the street leading to his home causing him to fall off his motorcycle. Police officers then lifted Paulus Le Van Son by his arms and legs and tossed him into a police car and drove off.
On 2 August 2011, Mr Peter Tran Huu and Mr Dau Van Duong who are both students, were arrested at their homes in Vinh city. Peter Tran Huu had recently been involved in protests held outside the police station in Nghe An against police harassment of students.
On 30 July 2011, Messrs Dang Xuan Dieu, Ho Duc Hoa, and Nguyen Van Oai were arrested at the Ton Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City. On 2 and 3 August, police raided Ho Duc Hoa and Nguyen Van Oai’s homes respectively. Dang Xuan Dieu and Ho Duc Hoa are are actively involved in mobilising access to education for the poor, as well as providing assistance to victims of typhoons and persons with physical disabilities. Nguyen Van Oai is a member of Yen hoa Parish and is actively involved in human rights work in the parish.
It is reported that no arrest warrants were served at the time of the aforementioned arrests, and the detentions have not been officially recorded with the authorities. All of the aforementioned defenders belong to the Vinh Diocese, one of the largest Catholic parishes in Vietnam, which is known for its dedication to the promotion of social justice and human rights. Members of the Vinh diocese have been the target of ongoing harassment and monitoring by local police officers, as well as officials from the Ministry of Public Affairs. Front Line is gravely concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of the aforementioned human rights defenders, particularly considering that they are being held in incommunicado detention, which greatly increases the risk that they may be subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
Source: Front Line Defenders
