Viet Nam’s Suppression of Dissent: Calls for the Immediate Release of Wrongfully Sentenced Activist

The Suppression of Dissent in Vietnam: A Violation of Human Rights

Introduction

The case of Truong Van Dung, a human rights defender who was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison in Vietnam for “propaganda against the government,” is yet another example of the Vietnamese authorities’ misuse of the criminal justice system to suppress dissent. Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dung, highlighting the unfair charges and inhumane prison conditions that he and many others face for simply exercising their right to freedom of expression.

A Systematic Crackdown on Dissent

The hearing on Dung’s appeal takes place against the backdrop of an ongoing crackdown on individuals who hold diverse or critical views towards the Vietnamese government. Independent civil society organizations also find themselves under attack. Many activists and human rights defenders have been imprisoned under shocking conditions, without adequate food or medication. These draconian measures are clear indicators of the Vietnamese authorities’ willingness to systematically silence dissent, violating international human rights law and undermining its own commitments to human rights as a signatory to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment (CAT).

The Case of Truong Van Dung

Truong Van Dung, an activist known for his fight against corruption and human rights violations in Vietnam since 2010, was arrested on May 21, 2022, under Article 88 of the 1999 Criminal Code. He was subsequently sentenced to six years in prison on March 28, 2023. Dung’s conviction was based on accusations of giving interviews to foreign media and possessing copies of two “illegally printed books” authored by imprisoned journalist Pham Doan Trang and former prison activist Pham Thanh Nghien.

During the first instance hearing, Dung made allegations of being beaten by the police during the investigation. Unfortunately, the Vietnamese authorities have yet to investigate these claims of ill-treatment. This failure to address allegations of torture and other ill-treatment is a clear violation of international law, including both CAT and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which Vietnam has ratified.

A Human Rights Violation

The imprisonment of Truong Van Dung and the suppression of dissent in Vietnam are flagrant violations of human rights and a betrayal of the country’s international obligations. The Vietnamese authorities’ decision to charge Dung with “propaganda against the government” for freely expressing his views highlights the disregard for basic rights and freedoms.

By ratifying international human rights treaties such as CAT and occupying a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, Vietnam is expected to uphold and protect the rights of its citizens. However, the continued suppression of dissent and the mistreatment of individuals such as Dung reveal these actions to be mere empty gestures.

Conclusion: The Call for Immediate Action

The Vietnamese authorities must drop the trumped-up charges against Truong Van Dung and immediately release him, along with other unjustly imprisoned activists. The international community must bring pressure to bear on Vietnam to honor its human rights obligations and end the systematic suppression of dissent. The United Nations, the international community, and individual nations must use their influence and take decisive action to hold Vietnam accountable for its human rights violations.

The case of Truong Van Dung serves as a stark reminder that the struggle for human rights and freedom of expression is far from over. It is imperative that we continue to shine a spotlight on these injustices and stand in solidarity with those who are unjustly silenced. Only by doing so can we hope to create a world where human rights are respected and basic freedoms are guaranteed for all.