Domo

25th January 2012

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Washington – Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Co-Chairmen Frank R. Wolf (R-VA) and
James P. McGovern (D-MA) today called for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience in Vietnam.
While condemning all violations of freedom of expression in Vietnam, they voiced particular concern over the recent detention of 17 social activists of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Dong Chua Cuu The) and the Presbyterian Church, as well as the arrest and sentencing of Vietnamese
Buddhist dissidents Nguyen Van Lia and Tran Hoai An and Roman Catholic priest and democracy
activist Father Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly. Wolf and McGovern also strongly criticized the continued
detention of lawyer activist Cu Huy Ha Vu, land rights activist Bui Thi Minh Hang and citizen
bloggers Nguyen Van Hai (also known as Dieu Cay) and Paulus Le Son, among many others.
“The government of Vietnam should cease its repression of the Vietnamese people and immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners,” said Congressman Wolf. “Freedom of religion and conscience are universal human rights which must be respected in all countries.”
“There is no excuse for Vietnam to target its citizens who are exercising their political and religious rights in a peaceful manner,” said Congressman McGovern. “The he message is simple: Release all prisoners of conscience and allow the free expression of religion and thought.