Viet Nam: Police beatings outside court amid crackdown on activism
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 26 August 2014 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Viet Nam: Police beatings outside court amid crackdown on activism, 26 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/540028b74.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The Vietnamese authorities must stop attacks on peaceful activists, Amnesty International said today after three human rights defenders were sentenced to jail and police beat and arrested their supporters.
Women activists Bui Thi Minh Hang and Nguyen Thi Thuy Quynh, along with their male co-defendant Nguyen Van Minh, were handed between two and three-year jail terms on charges of "disturbing public order" at Dong Thap Provincial People's Court in Viet Nam.
Dozens of their supporters, including family members, bloggers and other civil society activists, were harassed, beaten and arrested to prevent them from attending the court hearing.
"Today's verdict appears to be another attempt to punish peaceful activism in Viet Nam", said Rupert Abbott, Amnesty International's Deputy Asia-Pacific Director.
The three activists were attacked and arrested by police along with 18 others in February 2014 while trying to visit former prisoner of conscience Nguyen Bac Truyen at his fiance's home.
"Viet Nam should rein in its police and stop attacks on peaceful activists, their families and supporters," said Rupert Abbott.
"All those imprisoned solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights should be immediately and unconditionally released."
Background
Bui Thi Minh Hang is a well-known activist who has taken part in anti-China protests and attended trials of other peaceful activists. She has been on hunger strike several times since her arrest and detention in February and is in poor health.
Nguyen Van Minh is a member of the non-state sanctioned branch of the Hoa Hao Buddhist church and an activist for religious freedom.
Nguyen Thi Thuy Quynh has also taken part in peaceful anti-China protests and pro-democracy activities.
