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Statement by VNHRN on the Unfair Trial of Three Human Rights Activists Bui Thi Minh Hang, Nguyen Van Minh, and Nguyen Thi Thuy Quynh
On August 26, 2014, the Dong Thap province court of first instance sentenced three human rights activists, Ms. Bui Thi Minh Hang, Mr. Nguyen Van Minh, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Quynh to 3, 2.5, and 2 years in prison, respectively, on charges of “disturbing public order” under Article 245 of the current Penal Code.
Furthermore, a large number of security forces assaulted and arrested supporters of the accused, also preventing supporters of the accused from attending the trial. Witnesses were also forbidden by government officials to defend the three human rights defenders.
The continuation of abuse of the criminal procedure to punish those who express dissent and the use of force to repress peaceful activists demonstrate the Socialist Republic of Vietnam’s continued disregard for international opinion and seriously violates its international commitments despite being a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
As such, the Vietnam Human Rights Network
- Requests that the government of Vietnam immediately and unconditionally free the three human rights activists, Bui Thi Minh Hang, Nguyen Van Minh, and Nguyen Thi Thuy Quynh;
- Requests freedom-loving nations to continue to pressure the government of Vietnam and require it to respect its international human rights commitments;
- Urges the UN Human Rights Council to review the membership of Vietnam due to its blatant and persistent violations.
California, August 27, 2014
Tung B Nguyen, DPA President
Vietnam Human Rights Network |
