|
Democracy News
Vietnamese Activist Sent to Hanoi Labor Camp Without Trial
January 10, 2012
By Rebecca Aaberg | Printer Friendly
On January 3, Vietnamese activist Bui Thi Minh Hang was sent, without trial, to the Thanh Ha Education Center for a period of two years, AFP reported. According to the Voice of America, Hang, an advocate for land rights, was detained on November 27 when she attended a rally for legislation in favor of peaceful protests. Human Rights Watch reported that Hang was previously arrested in August and October 2011, for participating in a series of anti-China protests. The drug rehabilitation camp in which Bui Thi Minh Hang is being held is known for subjecting prisoners to forced labor, as explored in a Human Rights Watch report released in September 2011.
In separate statements, the United States (US) Embassy in Hanoi and Human Rights Watch both denounced the imprisonment of the activist and called for her immediate release. The US additionally called for the release of all political prisoners in Vietnam and for the government to respect freedom of expression as a human right. Commenting on the situation, Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch stated, “There is no justification for the Vietnamese authorities to pack off a peaceful protester to what is effectively a forced labor camp.” In Vietnam, an open letter demanding Hang’s release was sent to President Truong Tan Sang by members of the intellectual community. Government policies limit academic freedom, and open criticism is highly restricted in the country. University professors and other intellectuals have been convicted for “conducting propaganda against the state.” Hang was arrested for participating in a protest against the conviction of Dr. Cu Huy Ha Vu, a legal activist, on August 2, Human Rights Watch reported.
Article 25 of Vietnam’s Decree 76 gives the government the right to conduct arbitrary arrests and sentence citizens to educational rehabilitation as punishment for “breaking social order.” The article also allows the government to hold suspects for up to two years without trial. Article 26 gives center directors the authority to extend citizens’ terms in the rehabilitation facilities if sufficient “progress” is not achieved. In addition, the government uses articles 84, 88, and 258 for arrest and indefinite detention in the interest of “national security.” The US Department of State reported more than 100 political prisoners at the end of 2010. The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) controls the judicial system, and human rights violations are rarely reported and almost never prosecuted.
Vietnam’s constitution includes guarantees for the practice of freedom of expression, according to Human Rights Watch. A 2010 Human Rights Report produced by the United States Department of State confirmed that while guaranteed on paper, free speech is limited. According to Freedom House’s annual Freedom in the World report, the one-party government has maintained a tight hold on the media since gaining control of the country in 1976, but strict laws aimed at silencing critics have been increasingly utilized in the last ten years, especially as access to the internet has grown. All print and broadcast media in Vietnam are owned by the Communist Party, the army, or government agencies.
For previous news on Vietnam, please see:
Prominent Vietnamese Political Activist Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison
Vietnam Arrests Activists; Clinton Urges Respect for Human Rights
Human Rights Watch – Free Peaceful Activist
Human Rights Watch – The Rehab Archipelago
AFP - Vietnam detains protester in drug clinic: lawyer
Voice of America – Vietnam Sends Activist to Drug Rehab Center
Freedom House – Freedom in the World 2011: Vietnam
|
