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Human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai remains in prison in Vietnam after being taken into police custody late last year. He was on his way to meet EU representatives in Hanoi for the annual EU-Vietnam human rights dialogue. He’s just one of many of Vietnam’s religious minorities who’s been targeted by the government.

This isn’t Mr Dai’s first time in prison: he previously served four years on a charge of ‘spreading propaganda against the state’, the same charge he’s facing now. That Mr Dai continued his human rights work despite this experience is a testimony to his courage –let’s give thanks for his bravery today.

Mr Dai’s work as a human rights lawyer involved defending religious minorities who are often at risk in Vietnam. Religious freedom is restricted for Protestants, Catholics, and some Buddhist denominations. Please pray for those at risk in Vietnam and that Nguyen Van Dai would be released to continue his work.

Le Thu Ha, Mr Dai’s assistant, was arrested on the same day as her colleague and is still in prison. She faces a sentence of up to 20 years and, like Mr. Dai, could be at risk of torture and other mistreatment. Today, we’re praying that Le Thu Ha would also be released soon.

Earlier this year Father Nguyen Van Ly was released from prison early as a goodwill gesture during President Barack Obama’s visit. Today, let’s thank God for his release.

Tran Thi Hong’s husband, a pastor, is in prison and she told us recently that the government’s harassment of her has become ‘intolerable’. She has been abducted by the authorities, severely beaten, and, when he tried to stop one beating, her son was arrested. Let’s remember Tran Thi Hong and her family in our prayers today.

It’s not just Christians at risk in Vietnam. In April, we received news that at least 14 Hoa Hao Buddhists were assaulted by security agents. Hoa Hao Buddhists are also targets for abuse. Please pray for their protection today.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the work of human rights defenders in Vietnam. Please protect those who are in prison, especially Nguyen Van Dai, and work powerfully for their release. Amen.