Three Mennonite Christians who were accused of anti-government crimes were convicted and sentenced this week. They were convicted of subversion after helping fellow Vietnamese citizens whose land was forcibly sold to private companies.
CSW calls for release of Christian activists
CSW is calling for the release of three Mennonite Christian activists in Vietnam who have been convicted of subversion. The men, whose faith inspired them to stand up for justice for fellow Vietnamese citizens who lost their farmland when it was forcibly sold by the government to large corporations, have received prison sentences. Tran Thi Thuy received an eight-year prison sentence, Pastor Duong Kim Khai received six years and Nguyen Thanh Tam received two years. Four other activists were also convicted.
The three Christians are members of the unrecognised branch of the Mennonite Church and attended the 'Cow Shed Church' in Ho Chi Minh City. They are also members of Viet Tan, an overseas-based democracy party that calls for peaceful political reform.
Human rights activists face increasing opposition
CSW has seen an increase in arrests and harassment in recent months, and witnessed a growing intolerance for peaceful activism. Pastor Duong Kim Khai, was arrested and bundled into a car and was then detained since 10 August 2010, without his disabled wife and son being given any details of his detention. He was described as "a gentle man who wanted to help others and speak up for injustice".
CSW urges Vietnam to respect rights of citizens
CSW's National Director Stuart Windsor said, "CSW calls upon the Vietnamese authorities to respect the rights of its citizens to peaceful protest and not to sacrifice the rights of the poor for economic development".
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For strength for the families of the seven men who have been imprisoned and may not have seen their loved ones since August 2010.
Pray for all human rights activists in Vietnam who are currently facing difficulties due to their work.
Pray for the provision of those whose land and livelihood has been taken away.
Pray that Vietnamese Christians would continue to pursue peaceable justice.
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