http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/20250/ WASHINGTON—Human rights organizations and some in the U.S. Congress are now demanding that Vietnam be placed back on the list of "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC), which would allow the U.S. to impose economic sanctions to pressure the regime to improve its human rights record. Three areas of concern that are being discussed are Vietnam’s record on religious freedom, women and child trafficking, and labor organizing. Presently, the U.S. State Department does not designate Vietnam as a “Country of Particular Concern” or CPC, although it did from 2004-2006. The new Obama administration provides an opportunity to make a new case for Vietnam’s CPC designation. To look into recent developments in Vietnam, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held a hearing, July 23, on the status of human rights and religious freedom in Vietnam. The Commission, consisted of a panel of congress members known for their human rights advocacy, including Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ed Royce (R-CA), James McGovern (D-MA), Anh “Joseph” Cao (R-LA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Frank Wolf (R-VA), and Joe Pitts (R-PA). The anger was palpable in the hearing room on Capitol Hill as the congress members vented harsh words for Vietnam’s religious and labor policies, and most expressed frustration at the State Department’s apparent unwillingness to get tough on Vietnam. And they were incredulous toward U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak’s recent statement that there was a “lack of evidence” that Vietnam should be placed back on the CPC list. “When Vietnam was placed on the CPC list, we saw some positive changes. Unfortunately, when they were prematurely released in 2006, Vietnam ramped up its persecution,” said Representative Ed Royce. “It is unfortunate a representative of the State Department could not be here with us today. I would appreciate the opportunity to inquire why the administration is not far more engaged on the issue of religious freedom in Vietnam and elsewhere. I hope the State Department will take into account the testimony presented and the discussion that will take place today,” said Representative Chris Smith. UPDATE: Vietnamese translation by Le Minh, http://tiengnoitudodanchu.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7881    more »

Liên tục bắt bất đồng chính kiến? Các vụ bắt bớ diễn ra khi Việt Nam đang chuẩn bị cho đại hội sắp tới của Đảng Cộng sản Vụ bắt thạc sĩ Nguyễn Tiến Trung ở TPHCM một ngày sau khi bị loại ngũ và cựu Trung tá Trần Anh Kim ở Thái Bình đã đưa con số vụ giam giữ vì điều 88 Bộ Luật hình sự lên bảy người trong vòng chưa đầy một tháng. Câu hỏi đặt ra là tại sao Việt Nam tiến hành các vụ bắt những người có quan điểm đối lập vào thời điểm hiện nay. Cơ quan an ninh Việt Nam đã theo dõi những người đòi cạnh tranh với đảng Cộng sản cầm quyền từ lâu. Chẳng hạn trong trường hợp của Nguyễn Tiến Trung, bạn gái của anh nói những gì anh làm đều là ''công khai'' và mọi người đều biết từ trước khi anh vào quân ngũ cách đây một năm. Công an Việt Nam cũng đã biết các hoạt động của các ông Trần Huỳnh Duy Thức, Lê Công Định và Trần Anh Kim từ lâu. Nhưng họ đợi tới thời điểm này mới bắt giam và khởi tố các nhân vật tuyên bố ủng hộ dân chủ. 'Màn khói' Một số người cho rằng những vụ bắt bớ này là nhằm để tạo 'màn khói' che đi những vấn đề nóng bỏng và có tính ngòi nổ hơn. Trong đó có sự bức xúc của người dân về những diến biến liên quan tới Biển Đông cũng như làn sóng phản đối dự án bauxite tại Tây Nguyên và Lâm Đồng. Người ta cũng nói trước khi bị bắt luật sư Lê Công Định còn định kiện Trung Quốc về vấn đề lãnh hải. Có nhà bất đồng chính kiến đã nói truyền thông đã không còn chú ý nhiều tới vấn đề Biển Đông và đặc biệt là chuyện khai thác bauxite theo sau những vụ bắt giữ gần đây. Trước đây các vụ bắt người theo điều 88 có thể diễn ra chỉ sau một vài bài viết hay vài tiết giảng về nhân quyền. Nay công an Việt Nam nói Trung tá Trần Anh Kim đã ''phát tán trên mạng 85 bài viết'' và cũng nói ông Kim ''thừa nhận viết và phát tán hơn 60 đầu tài liệu có nội dung chống Nhà nước''. Trên mạng Internet cũng có ý kiến cho rằng vụ bắt các ông Lê Công Định và Trần Huỳnh Duy Thức chỉ là hệ quả của đấu tranh nội bộ trong tầng lớp cầm quyền. Và vẫn theo cách diễn giải đó, chỉ vụ bắt thạc sĩ Nguyễn Tiến Trung, người từng được các nhân vật cao cấp của Phương Tây tiếp, mới là phép thử đối với dư luận từ Hoa Kỳ. Tất nhiên, đây cũng chỉ là một cách giải thích mà thôi. Đại hội Phía công an Việt Nam cũng nói tới khả năng tổ chức các cuộc gặp lớn và những hoạt động của những người bất đồng chính kiến vào cuối năm nay và đầu năm sau. Chính quyền có vẻ sợ ảnh hưởng lan tỏa của những tư tưởng dân chủ mà những người có tư tưởng tự do ở Việt Nam có thể tạo ra. Nhưng điều có thể thấy rõ là các vụ bắt bớ mới nhất diễn ra trong bối cảnh Việt Nam đang chuẩn bị cho kỳ đại hội quan trọng sắp tới của Đảng Cộng sản Việt Nam vào đầu năm 2011. Chủ nghĩa 'Mác Lê' và tư tưởng Hồ Chí Minh luôn được nhắc tới và dường như các nhà lãnh đạo Việt Nam không có ý định từ bỏ chủ nghĩa mà Nguyễn Tiến Trung từng nói là không phải xuất phát trên những điều kiện của xã hội Việt Nam và trong lúc xã hội đang thay đổi hàng ngày. Nếu dựa vào những phát biểu của chủ tịch nước Việt Nam Nguyễn Minh Triết mới đây với ''chính nghĩa rạng ngời'' của Việt Nam và sự chỉ trích Hoa Kỳ ''vi phạm nhân quyền nhất thế giới'' người ta có thể thấy phe bảo thủ đang thể hiện quan điểm và cả sức mạnh qua các vụ trấn áp hiện nay. Nhóm đối lập của Việt Nam trên thực tế chưa làm được gì nhiều ngoài vấn đề phô trương thanh thế. Cái mà giới lãnh đạo có lẽ sợ hơn là những người đứng trong hàng ngũ của chính họ nhưng có tư tưởng tự do. Rất có thể đợt bắt người, tất cả đều theo điều 88 này, là một cố gắng nhắc nhở một số 'đồng chí' hãy đứng vào hàng và đi đúng lề đường. Giới quan sát không thể không đặt câu hỏi vậy những người có thể sẽ bị an ninh đến gõ cửa là những ai đây. Bấm Bấm vào đây để xem ý kiến độc giả. http://www.bbc.co.uk/vietnamese/vietnam/2009/07/090707_dissident_arrest.shtml   more »

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the last three weeks, three members of the Democratic Party of Vietnam (DPV) have been arrested for promoting the strengthening of democracy and human rights for the people of Vietnam. On July 7, 2009, Dr. Nguyen Tien Trung, the leader of the DPV’s Youth for Democracy organization, and Lieutenant Colonel Tran Anh Kim, a key member of the DPV, were imprisoned for urging increased freedoms of the press, religion, travel and improved human rights. On June 13, 2009, Le Cong Dinh, a prominent attorney and member of the DPV, was unlawfully detained for similar reasons. These actions came shortly after the arrest and imprisonment of Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, CEO of OCI, Le Thang Long, Le Thi Thu and Tran Thi Thu on May 24, 2009. The above individuals had been politically involved in a peaceful manner with the aim of promoting & strengthening democracy and human rights, leading to economic prosperity and stamping out poverty. According to Dr. Nguyen X. Ngai, the Vice Secretary of the Democratic Party of Vietnam, “The actions of the Vietnam government are unlawful and unacceptable in the world community, and is just the opposite of what the Vietnam government agreed to when it joined the WTO and the United Nations. “The DPV deplores this action and demands that the government of Vietnam obey the law and release all the above individuals, as well as other political members who are still unlawfully imprisoned in Viet Nam, without any restrictions or conditions attached.” The Democratic Party of Vietnam has been cooperating with the Vietnamese Communist Party since 1944. At that time, the late Hoang Minh Chinh, former Secretary of the DPV, reformed and reshaped the DPV to place emphasis on non-violent but law-abiding activities with no affiliation to any other political parties. This was announced and reemphasized again on January 9, 2008. Central Executive Committee Democratic Party of Vietnam   more »

URGENT ACTION: Further Information on UA: 155/09 AI Index: ASA 41/003/2009 Issue Date: 6 July 2009 INCOMMUNICADO LAWYER NOW DISBARRED Lawyer Le Cong Dinh has been disbarred by the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association and the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice has revoked his practising licence. Le Cong Dinh is a prisoner of conscience who has been held incommunicado since his arrest on 13 June. On 1 July 2009, the deputy head of the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association told journalists that it had disbarred and that the Ministry of Justice had revoked his licence, forbidding him to practice law. Le Cong Dinh has still not been allowed to receive any visits from family members or legal professionals that could represent his case, and Le Cong Dinh's well-being remains unknown. The Vietnamese authorities have launched a public propaganda campaign against Le Cong Dinh following international pressure calling for the lawyer’s release. In a statement issued on 26 June, the government requested “international understanding and support for its struggle against conspiracies and acts conducted by organizations and individuals to carry out acts of terrorism and unrest, overthrow the State and destroy the peaceful life of the people”. Le Cong Dinh was arrested 13 June under Article 88 in the national security section of the Penal Code. Together with other lawyers, Le Cong Dinh had previously argued that Article 88 breaches Viet Nam’s constitution and international human rights law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that he is accused of contacting and colluding “with some exiled Vietnamese organizations and groups abroad, including those listed by the Vietnamese government as terrorist groups, in an attempt to prepare for riots and cause social instability and public disorder with the ultimate goal of overthrowing the State of Viet Nam”. Le Cong Dinh has been charged with "conducting propaganda" against the state, under Article 88 of the Penal Code. If convicted, he faces a three- to 20-year prison sentence. He is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression. The Vietnamese authorities have sentenced at least 30 dissidents, including a number of lawyers, to long prison terms since 2006 in an attempt to stifle freedom of expression and association. Most are supporters of an internet-based pro-democracy movement, Bloc 8406, or other unauthorized groups calling for democracy and human rights. The majority have been sentenced to imprisonment under the national security section of the 1999 Penal Code, with additional sentences of up to five years of house arrest on release from prison. An unknown number of dissidents are in custody awaiting trial. Articles of the Penal Code used to criminalize peaceful political dissent include Article 80 (Spying), 87 (Undermining the unity policy), and 88 (Conducting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam). In May 2009, the UN Human Rights Council considered Viet Nam under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Viet Nam rejected the recommendations of other states to allow greater freedom of expression and to reform national security laws which limit freedom of expression, among others. PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in English, French, Vietnamese or your own language: * expressing concern that lawyer Le Cong Dinh is a prisoner of conscience that has been arrested under Article 88 of the Penal Code solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression; * urging the authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally, and drop all charges against him; * calling on the authorities to ensure that he is allowed immediate access to his family and a lawyer of his choosing and, that he is provided with any medical attention he may require; * calling on the authorities to either repeal or amend provisions in the 1999 Penal Code which criminalize peaceful political dissent; PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 17 AUGUST 2009 TO: OPEN ARTICLE FOR NAMES AND ADDRESSES ****************************** This is the first update of UA: 155/09, AI index: ASA 41/002/2009 Working to protect human rights worldwide   more »

ÐẢNG DÂN CHỦ NHÂN DÂN The People's Democratic Party http://ddcnd.org/main/ July 07, 2009 The Honorable Barbara Boxer United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20520 Dear Senator Boxer: Re: Vietnam’s ongoing of crackdown dissidents and violation of human rights. On the occasion of your effort to reintroduce The Vietnam Human Rights Act (S.1159) to address human rights abuses in Vietnam, including religious and political persecution, I am writing this letter to call your attention to Vietnam’s on going crackdowns of dissidents and violations of human rights. - On June 13, 2009, Vietnam arrested attorney Le Cong Dinh, Mr. Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, Mr. Le Thang Long, Ms. Tran Thi Thu and Ms. Le Thi Thu Thu. All were accused of violating Article 88 of the Penal Code of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which alleged “dissemination of propaganda acts against The Socialist Republic of Vietnam”. In fact, these individuals are pro-democracy activists who bravely raise their voices to promote democracy and freedom for Vietnam. - On July 7, 2009, Vietnam continues to arrest two more dissidents, Mr. Tran Anh Kim in Ha Noi and Mr. Nguyen Tien Trung in Saigon. Both also were accused of violating Article 88. - In addition, five democratic activists including writer Nguyen Xuan Nghia, teacher Vu Hung, Mr. Ngo Quynh, Mr. Pham Van Troi and Ms. Pham Thanh Nghien were incarcerated in Hanoi since September 2008 without trials. All were accused of the same violation as the above-named detainees. Being a member of United Nations Security Council, yet Vietnam continues to commit serious human rights abuses. Using detention to silent dissidents and fragrantly disregarding internationally respected human rights values. To date, many Vietnamese pro-democracy activists such as Father Nguyen Van Ly, lawyers Nguyen Van Dai, Le Thi Cong Nhan, Nguyen Bac Truyen, Tran Quoc Hien, Le Quoc Quan, Dr. Le Nguyen Sang, journalists Huynh Nguyen Dao and Truong Minh Duc, writer Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, Ms. Le Thi Kim Thu and many others have been arrested and suppressed for the peaceful expression of their political views. - We call on Vietnam's government to accept open and direct dialogue with opposing political party; to end all baseless allegations and arbitrary detentions of pro-democracy activists. We urgently ask that they release these pro-democracy activists immediately. - The People’s Democratic Party strongly protests and condemns the Vietnamese authorities for their repressive acts and call on the US Senators to urgently pass The Vietnam Human Rights Act (S.1159). Sincerely, Cong Thanh Do, Spokesperson of The People’s Democratic Party cc: Members of US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Sen. John Kerry, Sen. Richard Lugar, Sen. John Barrasso, Sen. Benjamin Cardin, Sen. Robert Casey, Sen. Bob Corker, Sen. Jim Demint, Sen. Christopher Dodd, Sen. Russell Feingold, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Sen. John Isakson, Sen. Edward Kaufman, Sen. Robert Menendez, Sen. James Risch, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Sen. Jim Webb and Sen. Roger Wicker. Members of US Congressional Caucus on Vietnam: Reps. Zoe Lofgren, Loretta Sanchez, Chris Smith and Anh “Joseph” Cao.   more »

Amnesty International USA Group 19 members Jean Libby jlibby@alum.calberkeley.org Fax: 1-650-618-8603 Senator Barbara Boxer 112 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Boxer, Thank you for your leadership in seeking the release of imprisoned Father Nguyen Van Ly in Vietnam. Amnesty International USA Group 19 recently mailed petitions with 780 signatures to President Nguyen Minh Triet in care of the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington asking for the release of Father Ly. The petition campaign was bilingual. We circulated them among Vietnamese Americans in San Jose and in Westminster, with grateful response. I have enclosed copies as examples. Your efforts along with thirty-six colleagues in the United States Senate will surely help in alleviating conditions of political imprisonment in Vietnam. Although the Vietnamese government ignores communications from Amnesty International USA, and treated the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom with rudeness and refusal to allow them visitation, protocol does require that they reply to Senators. Group 19 in Palo Alto, which was founded by the late Ginetta Sagan, has adopted Father Ly as an Individual at Risk campaign. We are greatly encouraged to continue our efforts in seeking his release.by your leadership He has been imprisoned regularly for seventeen years since 1983. His recent imprisonment has been more than two years in solitary confinement. With sincere gratitude, Jean Libby, case coordinator for Individual at Risk The Reverend Nguyen Van Ly Group 19 Amnesty International USA Letter from Senators attached Cc: U.S. State Department, Vietnam Desk, Washington, D.C.   more »