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Vietnamese Democracy Activists Under Lockdown on Eve of Bush Trip to Vietnam
PRNewswire SAN JOSE, Calif. The following was released by the Viet Tan (Vietnam Reform Party): Days before the APEC summit convenes in Hanoi, the Vietnamese communist authorities have attempted to isolate and harass key democracy activists. "No Foreigners," "No Pictures," "Restricted Area - No Passing" signs have gone up near the homes of leading dissidents. To prevent foreign reporters from contacting the activists, the public security forces have set up equipment to jam mobile phone reception in several locations. Attorney Le Thi Cong Nhan, a labor activist and spokesperson for the unsanctioned Vietnam Progression Party, was given a verbal order by police not to leave her home, use her telephone, meet with foreigners, or have more than two people in her house. According to neighbors, the gate outside the young attorney's home has been locked. Days earlier Le Thi Cong Nhan was fired by her employer under pressure from the public security. Attorney Nguyen Van Dai, chairman of the human rights committee of the newly formed Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights in Vietnam, has been subjected to repeat interrogations by the Division A24 of the public security agency since November 9. Dr. Pham Hong Son, a former political prisoner, has been the victim of two staged traffic accidents. On November 4, while riding his motorcycle with his two children, a high speed motorcycle came up from behind and collided with Dr. Son. After the collision, the unidentified motorcycle sped up and disappeared with its motorists who were wearing masks. On November 9, Dr. Son encountered another high speed motorcycle which almost caused him to lose control of his vehicle. As that unidentified motorcycle sped away, another came up and the driver shouted threatening insults to Dr. Son. Mai Xuan Thuong park, located in central Hanoi, has been the gathering place for hundreds of people at a time protesting government corruption. Many of the protesters have come from far away provinces to seek redress for land seized by government officials. On November 9, security police emptied the park of demonstrators. Many of the these individuals are currently under "temporary detention." The demands for political change in Vietnam have become a grassroots social movement. Viet Tan calls on foreign leaders and media to visit with the democracy activists and seek out Vietnamese citizens calling for social justice. With Vietnam under the international spotlight, this is the time to engage in a dialogue with the Vietnamese people. With a network of members inside Vietnam and around the world, the Viet Tan (Vietnam Reform Party) aims to establish democracy and reform the country
Vietnam Human Rights Network |