Vietnam’s Crackdown on Free Speech: Activist Behind ‘Salt Bae’ Video Faces Unjust Charges

Vietnamese Activist Bui Tuan Lam Faces Unjust ‘Propaganda Against the State’ Charges

Amnesty International Interim Deputy Regional Director for Research Montse Ferrer has called on Vietnamese authorities to immediately drop the ‘propaganda against the state’ charges against activist Bui Tuan Lam, who faces up to 12 years in prison. The trial is expected to take place on May 24, 2023. According to Ferrer, the use of trumped-up charges against Bui Tuan Lam highlights the extent to which Vietnamese authorities are willing to deny people their right to freedom of expression, even when the expression is seemingly benign, satirical, or lighthearted. Ferrer notes that “Satire is not a crime.”

The Background of Bui Tuan Lam’s Case

Bui Tuan Lam is an activist in Viet Nam who was initially summoned by Da Nang city police in November 2021 after a video he made went viral on Facebook. In the video, Lam served streetside noodles using the same techniques as famed Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe. The video was Lam’s way of protesting a video of Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security To Lam eating at Salt Bae’s London restaurant.

After being initially released from custody, Bui Tuan Lam was rearrested on September 7, 2022, under Article 117 of the 2015 Criminal Code. This article is commonly used against human rights defenders and punishes the dissemination of ‘propaganda against the state.’ It carries a prison term of up to 12 years. Bui Tuan Lam’s Facebook and YouTube channel, which has over 12,000 followers, is where he shares his opinions on human rights and social issues. Those familiar with the case believe his viral video played a part in his arrest.

International Human Rights Standards Questioned

Ferrer argues that the case is emblematic of the beleaguered state of human rights in Vietnam. To make matters worse, Bui Tuan Lam’s trial lacks anything resembling international standards of fairness. He has been in pre-trial detention for almost a year and was only recently able to contact his lawyer.

This case calls into question the Vietnamese authorities’ commitment to upholding international human rights standards. They should drop the charges against Bui Tuan Lam and release him immediately and unconditionally. Ferrer argues that without doing so, the Vietnamese authorities will continue to undermine their position on the UN Human Rights Council and make a mockery of their stated commitment to basic human rights.

Advice for the International Community

The international community has a responsibility to demand that Vietnamese authorities end their relentless assault on people’s basic human rights. Ferrer argues that the widespread use of Article 117 against human rights defenders, activists, and others who peacefully express their opinions and views must end. The international community has a crucial role to play in making this happen.

As individuals, we must also consider the responsibility we have to uphold values such as free speech and human rights. The story of Bui Tuan Lam highlights how even the mildest satirical jab can potentially result in blowback from authorities. We must continue to fight for those who are being silenced. Satire is not a crime, and neither is peaceful protest.

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