Main Source: Committee for Religious Freedom in Vietnam (CRFV)

KEY:

BUDDHISTS

Above is only a partial list of Buddhist clergy and religious leaders in prison or under house arrest. Various Reverends and Buddhist monks were reportedly injured and arrested by Hue City Police on November 27, 1994, for presenting a petition to Most Venerable Thich Thien Sieu (also a member of the SRV Assembly) of the state-sponsored VBC. Their identities and places of detention have not yet been confirmed.

1. Supreme Patriarch Thich Huyen Quang: born Le Dinh Nhan in 1919 in Binh Dinh province; Acting Head of the Institute for the Propagation of the Dharma (IPD) of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (UBC); arrested in 1977 and incarcerated at Hoi Phuoc Temple from 1982 to Dec. 29, 1994, when he was transferred to a village temple, Phuoc Quang Temple, Nghia Hanh district, Quang Ngai province. The official seal and files of the UBC as well as his personal files were confiscated. In Aug. 1995, Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of Vietnam, announced the impending trial of Venerable Thich Huyen Quang.

2. Most Venerable Thich Quang Do: born Dang Phuc Tue on Nov. 27,1928 in Thai Binh province; Secretary General of the IPD; arrested in 1977 and incarcerated since 1982; around 3:15 p.m. of Jan. 4,1995, arrested at Thanh Minh Meditation Temple, 90 Tran Huy Lieu St., Ward 15, Phu Nhuan precinct, Ho Chi Minh City; and detained at T82 interrogation camp, Nguyen Van Cu St., Ho Chi Minh City; has recently been transferred to Vu Ban village, Nam Dinh province, North Vietnam. In Aug. 1995, Venerable Thich Quang Do was brought to trial and sentenced to five years of imprisonment for "disturbing the peace". Released in Sep. 1998 but placed under administrative detention.

3. Venerable Thich Khong Tanh: born Phan Ngoc Anh; Head of Lien Tri Pagoda, Thu Duc district; Ombudsman of the UBC Central Office; arrested in late 1976 and jailed for 10 years for writing to Premier Pham Van Dong protesting the drafting of young Buddhist monks into the army, which was aimed at disrupting UBC personnel; Nov. 6, 1994, transferred to interrogation center 3C (Ton Duc Thang St.), Section PA 24 of Ho Chi Minh City's Police Station; August 1995, convicted of "undermining the policy of religious solidarity" and sentenced to five years.

4. Venerable Thich Nhat Ban: arrested together with Venerable Thich Khong Tanh; was detained at interrogation center 3C, To Duc Thanh St., Precinct 1, Ho Chi Minh City; was put to trial together with Venerable Thich Khong Tanh in Aug. 1995 and sentenced to four years for his attempt to carry out flood relief in the name of the UBC. Released in Nov. 1998 but placed under administrative detention.

5. Venerable Thich Tri Luc: religious son of Supreme Patriarch Thich Don Hau; arrested the first time on Oct. 2,1992 and released in Mar. 1993; Jan. 6,1994 arrested at Phap Van Temple, 246 C Nguyen Van Dau St., Ward 6, Binh Thanh precinct, Ho Chi Minh City; was incarcerated for refusing to abort flood relief activities; Aug. 1995, brought to trial and sentenced to two and half years.

6. Venerable Thich Long Tri: Head of Vien Giac Pagoda, Hoi An district, Da Nang Province; Chairman of the UBC Committee for the Relief of Flood Victims; arrested Oct. 29, 1994 in Ho Chi Minh City, and later transferred to detention at Hoi An district, Quang Nam province.

7. Venerable Thich Hai Hung: arrested at Phuoc Duyen Pagoda, Hue City, Dec. 25, 1994.

8. Venerable Thich Hanh Duc: Head of Son Linh Pagoda, Thu Duc District; evicted from (state-sponsored) Vietnamese Buddhist Church-owned temple on Mar. 25, 1993 for supporting the UBC led campaign for religious freedom; later arrested at Ba Ria and sentenced to 3 years for "illegal activities and possession of anti-government materials;" currently under house arrest.

9. Reverend Thich Thien Tho: Head of Son Linh Pagoda, arrested Jul. 9, 1993; sentenced to house arrest since Jan. 1994.

10. Venerable Thich Tri Tuu: born Le Quang Vinh on Oct. 10, 1953; arrested at Linh Mu Pagoda, Hue City, in Jun. 1993 and detained at Thua Phu Prison, Hue City; was sentenced at Nov. 15, 1993 trial to 4 years for "disturbing public order"; incarcerated at Ba Sao "re-education" camp, Phu Ly district, Ha Nam Ninh province. He was released from prison on March 5, 1997. The police took him to the state-sponsored Tay Thien Pagoda in Hue, where he is now held under house arrest. He is not allowed to leave the pagoda and denied communication with the outside.

11. Venerable Thich Hai Thinh: arrested Jun. 5, 1993; sentenced at Nov. 15, 1993 trial to 3 years; detained with common prisoners at Camp Ba Sao, Phu Ly District, Ha Nam Ninh province. After release from prison, Venerable Thich Hai Thinh returned to Linh Mu Pagoda, in Hue. On Nov. 22, 1996 the security police sent 200 officers to raid the temple and place him under house arrest at a designated place of residence.

12. Thich Hai Chanh: born Nguyen Chan Tam; arrested July 19,1993; put on trial Nov. 15 and sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment; incarcerated at Ba Sao "re-education" camp, Phu Ly district, Ha Nam Ninh province. He was taken out of Linh Mu Pagoda at the same time as Venerable Thich Hai Tinh on Nov. 22, 1996 and placed under house arrest at a separate place of residence.

13. Venerable Thich Hai Dan: arrested together with Reverend Thich Hai Chanh on Jul. 19, 1993; currently under house arrest.

14. Venerable Thich Hai Lac: arrested together with Reverend Thich Hai Chanh on Jul. 19, 1993; currently under house arrest.

15. Venerable Thich Hai Tang: born Nguyen Dinh Hoa on Mar. 14, 1958; arrested May 6, 1993 and sentenced to four years of imprisonment; detained with criminal prisoners at "re-education" camp Ba Sao, Phu Ly district, Ha Nam Ninh province; currently under house arrest.

16. Venerable Thich Nhat Lien: Head of Long Tho Temple, Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai province; taken into custody Dec. 2, 1993 for interrogation for 9 days; now under house arrest at Long Tho Temple, Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai province.

17. Venerable Thich Tue Sy: born Pham Van Thuong on Feb. 15, 1941; scholar on Vietnamese Buddhism and co-editor (with Reverend Thich Tri Sieu) of the Encyclopedia of Buddhism; arrested on Apr. 2, 1984 with other Buddhist monks and followers at Gia Lam Temple and Van Hanh Pagoda; founder of the Free Vietnam Force (FVF - Luc Luong Viet Nam Tu Do) and writer of its Manifesto; prosecuted together with 20 other FVF members in Sep. 1988 and sentenced to death; his sentence was subsequently commuted to 20 years by the Supreme People's Court in Nov. 1988 in the face of mounting opposition by the international community and the Vietnamese community overseas; in Apr. 1989, transferred to "re-education" camp Z30A, Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai province; then returned to "re-education" camp 20A, Xuan Phuoc district, Phu Yen province, where he was jailed for the first time from Jun. 1978 through Feb. 1980; then detained at Ba Sao Camp, Ha Nam Ninh Province. Adopted by US Congressman Howard Berman. Released in Sep. 1998.

18. Venerable Thich Tri Sieu: born Le Manh That in 1943 in Trieu Phong village, Quang Tri province; a U.S.-educated professor and co-editor of the Encyclopaedia of Buddhism; arrested with other Buddhist monks and followers at Gia Lam Temple and Van Hanh University on Apr. 2,1984; brought to trial for "plotting to overthrow the People's Government" and given a death sentence which was later commuted to 20 years imprisonment by the Supreme People's Court in Nov. 1988; transferred from Cell 20, Section F of Chi Hoa Prison in Ho Chi Minh City to "re-education" camp Z30A, in Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai province. Adopted by Sheila Jackson-Lee. Released in Sep. 1998.

19. Venerable Thich Nguyen Giac: born Ho Khac Dung in Thua Thien province in 1951; sentenced as a FVF member to 15 years imprisonment in Sep. 1988; transferred from Chi Hoa Prison to "re-education" camp Z30A; now detained in camp A20 in Xuan Phuoc village, Tuy Hoa district, Phu Yen province.

20. Venerable Thich Phuc Vien: born Le Hien in 1951; arrested in June 1980 at Chau Lam Pagoda in Hue City for "plotting to overthrow The People's Government;" sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in Sep. 1980; now detained in camp A20.

21. Venerable Thich Thien Tan: born Thai Thanh Hung in 1945; Head of Thuyen Ton Temple in Hue City since 1972; arrested in August 1978 for "participating in conspiratorial activities against the People's Government," sentenced to life imprisonment by the People's Court of Hue City in March 1980; presently detained in camp A20.

22. Venerable Thich Minh Su: Clergy member of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, which is banned by the Government. Sentenced to 20 years' hard labor; presently incarcerated in camp Z30A.

23. Venerable Thich Tri Giac: Clergy member of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, which is banned by the Government. Sentenced to 20 years' hard labor; presently detained in camp Z30A.

24. Venerable Thich Tam Can: born Nguyen Huu Tin in 1945; clergy member of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, which is banned by the Government; sentenced to 20 years' forced labor; presently detained in camp A20.

25. Venerable Thich Tam Tri: born Huynh Van Ba in 1945; clergy member of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, which is banned by the Government; sentenced to 20 years' forced labor.

26. Thich Nguyen The: Clergy member of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, which is banned by the Government; sentenced to 20 years imprisonment; now detained in camp Z30A.

27. Thich Hai Tri: sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment.

28. Venerable Thich Thanh Tinh: born Hoang Van Giang; sentence not yet announced; presently detained in camp Z30A.

29. Venerable Thich Tri Giac: born Nguyen Dung; sentenced to 20 years imprisonment; presently detained in camp Z30A.

30. Venerable Thich Hue Dang: born Nguyen Ngoc Dat; sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment; presently detained in Xuan Loc hard labour camp.

31. Venerable Thich Nguyen Ly: Head of Tu Hieu Temple; taken into custody from Nov. 7, to 12, 1994 for intensive interrogation; presently under house arrest.

32. Venerable Thich Lang Quynh: Headed a temple in Nha Be district; coerced twice in November 1994 by Ba Luc, a high ranking police officer in charge of religious affairs for Ho Chi Minh City Police, into aborting a flood relief effort in Vinh Binh province; barred from travelling outside his district of residence.

33. Most Venerable Thich Nhu Dat: member of the Central Executive Committee of the (state-sponsored) VBC; author of an eight-page statement submitted to SVR Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet and the Central Committee for Religious Affairs of the CPV, protesting the politicization of Buddhist teachings at the School of Basic Buddhism in Thua Thien province, Hue City; was arrested together with 12 Buddhist monks on Dec. 7,1994.

34. Monk Do Huy Cuong: was arrested Jul. 9,1993 at Son Linh Temple in Thu Duc district; ordered out of his temple and now under house arrest.

35. Layman Pham Van Due: was arrested with Reverend Thich Hanh Duc, head of Son Linh Temple.

36. Venerable Thich Nguyen Nhu: was prohibited by Ho Chi Minh City Police in Nov. 4,1994, from participating in flood relief efforts by the UBC; now under house arrest.

37. Venerable Thich Quang Ton: was also barred from taking part in UBC-sponsored flood relief projects; now under house arrest.

38. Reverend Thich Tam Van: same as No. 37.

39. Reverend Thich Nguyen Thinh: same as No. 37.

40. Layman Nhat Thuong (born Pham Van Xuan): was arrested on Nov. 4, 1994, the same time as Reverends Thich Khong Tanh, Thich Nhat Ban, and Thich Tri Luc.

41. Laywoman Dong Ngoc (born Nguyen Thi Em): same as No.40.

42. Monk Thich Nguyen Man: was arrested for interrogation for having visited Supreme Patriarch Thich Huyen Quang at Hoi Phuoc Temple; coerced into signing a commitment not to contact with Supreme Patriarch Thich Huyen Quang.

43. Monk Thich Dong Hoa: same as No. 42.

44. Novice Monk Thich Huyen Van: is now held in custody at Tho Duc Temple.

45. Thich Thien Minh (born Huynh Van Ba): was born in 1945; was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment.

46. Monk Do Ngay: under house arrest.

47. Monk Hoang Son: -id-

48. Monk Ngo Van Hua: -id-

49. Monk Nguyen Viet Hoc: -id-

50. Monk Nguyen Van Hoa: -id-

51. Monk Nguyen Huu Phuoc: -id-

52. Monk Nguyen Phi Hung: -id-

53. Monk Nguyen Minh Cuong: -id-

54. Monk Phan Van Du: -id-

55. Monk Phan Van Vinh: -id-

56. Phan Van Lai: -id-

57. Tran Dai Minh: -id-

58. Tran Quang Minh: -id-

59. Tran Thanh Son: -id-

60. Vo Van Chinh: -id-

61. Monk Nguyen Van Tho: now detained in a "re-education" camp.

62. Monk Nguyen Van Hoang: -id-

63. Monk Nguyen Van Trung: -id-

64. Monk Tran Van Tu: -id-

65. Venerable Thich Minh Dao: Born in 1941; entered into monkhood at the age of 18. In late October 1996, the Communist authorities of Da Lat Province arrested Venerable Thich Minh Dao on charge of "superstitious activities," confiscated the temple's property, including 36,000 m2 of land, and razed the temple.

66. Venerable Thich Huyen Tham: A senior member of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam from the time of its formation, Ven. Tham was immediately placed under surveillance by the Communist authorities after 1975. In 1977 he was arrested and imprisoned; his temple was sealed and confiscated. Released from prison in 1983, he was exiled to Binh Dinh. In 1989 he escaped to Thailand only to be repatriated in 1996. He is currently placed under house arrest at the Phap Van Temple in Binh Thanh. He is under the constant watch of the security police. Beneficiary of a religious visa approved by the U.S. since 1995, in October 1997 Ven. Tham was turned away by a Vietnamese official when he showed up for a pre-scheduled interview with the U.S. delegation. (Moran).

CATHOLICS

1. Father Chan Tin: Father Chan Tin was a well-known Catholic priest prior to 1975 due to his religious and social activities, especially his human rights work on the "Committee to Reform the Prison System." Before and after April 30, 1975 (the fall of Saigon), Father Chan Tin has advocated true national reconciliation. In 1990, he wrote a tract titled "Repent to the Nation," calling on the Vietnamese Communist Party to fix its mistakes and protesting the regime's persecution of peaceful pro-democracy activists including Nguyen Dan Que, Doan Viet Hoat, Ta Ba Tong, and Nguyen Ho. Father Chan Tin was subsequently arrested and jailed until 1993, when the government under international pressure released him. Since 1993, Father Chan Tin has been interviewed by foreign media such as the BBC and VOA. His frankness regarding human rights violations in Vietnam have been a source of discomfort to the government. He has also written an essay titled "Comments on the Speech by [communist party general-secretary] Do Muoi at the Party Cadre Conference on March 3, 1994." Currently, the Hanoi government continues to maintain close surveillance around the residence of Father Chan Tin, interrogating or impeding all visitors to the priest. (Moran)

2. Father John Bosco Pham Minh Tri: Father Pham Minh Tri was born July 13, 1941 in Bui Chu, northern Vietnam. He was arrested on May 21, 1987 in Thu Duc. On October 10, 1987, he was sentenced by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City to 20 years in prison and 5 years of house arrest on charges of "propaganda against the socialist state, destruction of the policy of unity." Father Pham Minh Tri is currently held at Z30A prison camp, Xuan Loc prefecture, Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam. He is in very weak health and unable to perform prison labor.

3. Father Juda Tadeo Dinh Viet Hieu: Father Dinh Viet Hieu was born February 2, 1939 in Bui Chu, northern Vietnam. He was arrested on June 20, 1987 in Thu Duc. On October 10, 1987, he was sentenced by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City to 14 years in prison and 4 years of house arrest on charges of "propaganda against the socialist state, destruction of the policy of unity.". According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, Father Dinh Viet Hieu was released in late 1998 from the Nam Ha prison camp, Kim Bang prefecture, Nam Ha province, northern Vietnam. He suffers from heart disease and high blood pressure.

4. Clergyman John Ende Mai Duc Chuong: Clergyman Mai Duc Chuong was born August 8, 1931 in Bui Chu, northern Vietnam. He was arrested on May 20, 1987 in Thu Duc. On October 10, 1987, he was sentenced by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City to 18 years in prison and 5 years of house arrest on charges of "propaganda against the socialist state, destruction of the policy of unity." Clergyman Mai Duc Chuong is currently held at Prison Camp 5, Unit 25, Thieu Yen prefecture, Thanh Hoa province, northern Vietnam. He suffers from severe rheumatism.

5. Clergyman Paul Nguyen Chau Dat: 65 year-old Roman Catholic priest. Member of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested on May 20, 1987, with 22 other co-religionists. On October 10, 1987, he was sentenced by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City to life in prison on charges of "propaganda against the socialist state, destruction of the policy of unity, terror and harm against security personnel of the state." The sentence was later reduced to 20 years in prison. According to Amnesty International, Clergyman Nguyen Chau Dat was released in late 1998 from the Z30A prison camp, Xuan Loc prefecture, Dong Nai Province. He is reportedly in frail health.

6. Brother Pius Vu Thanh Dat (Hai): Member of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested with Father Dominic Tran Dinh Thu on May 15, 1987, and tried on October 30, 1987, on counter-revolutionary charges. Sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, followed by three years of government surveillance and restricted movement. Held in Long Khanh Camp, Dong Nai province.

7. Clergyman Bernard Nguyen Viet Huan: Clergyman Nguyen Viet Huan was born February 10, 1951 in Bui Chu, northern Vietnam. He was arrested on June 13, 1987 in Thu Duc. On October 10, 1987, he was sentenced by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City to 20 years in prison and 5 years of house arrest on charges of "propaganda against the socialist state, destruction of the policy of unity." Clergyman Nguyen Viet Huan is currently held at Z30A prison camp, Xuan Loc prefecture, Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam.

8. Clergyman Michael Nguyen Van Thin: Clergyman Nguyen Van Thin was born October 1, 1952 in Ninh Binh, northern Vietnam. He was arrested on May 21, 1987 in Thu Duc. On October 10, 1987, he was sentenced by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City to 16 years in prison and 5 years of house arrest on charges of "propaganda against the socialist state, destruction of the policy of unity." Clergyman Nguyen Van Thin is currently held at Z30A prison camp, Xuan Loc prefecture, Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam.

9. Sister Tran Thi Tri: Arrested with two Catholic priests, probably in October 1987, and tried in November 1987 on charges of "taking advantage of religion to make arrangements for people to flee the country." Sentenced to five years' imprisonment; not known to have been released. Priests arrested with her given suspended sentences of four years and 18 months, respectively.

10. Father Nguyen Van De: Arrested October 1987, at My Tho, Tien Giang province, after translating and distributing spiritual literature from abroad. Sister Nguyen Thi Ni and nine other Catholics were arrested with him. Tried August 15-16, 1990, on charges of abusing religion in order to propagandize against the authorities and the socialist regime. Convicted of "spreading propaganda aimed at falsely portraying Vietnam's religious policy." Sentenced to ten years' imprisonment; transferred to house arrest some time after November 1992. Now serving house arrest at My Tho seminary, Tien Giang province. Previously imprisoned for religious reasons between 1975 and 1982. Catholics arrested with him received sentences of two to 10 years' imprisonment.

11. Sister Nguyen Thi Ni: Arrested October 1987, with Father Nguyen Van De (above). Tried August 15-16, 1990. Convicted of "spreading propaganda aimed at falsely portraying Vietnam's 1987 for religious policy."

12. Reverend John B. Pham Ngoc Lien (Tri): Member of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested on May 21, 1987, and tried October 30, 1987, on counter-revolutionary charges. Sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment, followed by five years of government surveillance and restricted movement. Held at Long Khanh Camp, Dong Nai Province.

13. Father Dominic Tran Dinh Thu: 82 year-old member of the Mother Coredemtrix Order. Arrested on July 2, 1987 and sentenced 20 years in prison for the "many reactionary documents together with a large amount of illegally stored grain," and a pistol. Recently released because of his ill health, Father Thu lives in house detainment. The government has refused to return any property confiscated from his congregation.

14. Brother Bernard Nguyen Thien Phung (Huan): 39 year-old Roman Catholic monk, member of Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested with Father Dominic Tran Dinh Thu and 20 others on May 15, 1987, and tried October 30, 1987, on counter-revolutionary charges. Sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment. Reportedly detained in Z30A camp, Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai province. Prison term will be followed by five years of government surveillance and restriction, after which time Brother Phung will be exiled from Ho Chi Minh City. Held in Long Khanh Camp, Dong Nai province.

15. Father Mai Huu Nghi: A priest of the Congregation of Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested along with Father Dominic Tran Dinh Thu on May 15, 1987. Sentenced to 18 years.

16. Father Do Chi Tam: A priest of the Congregation of Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested along with Father Dominic Tran Dinh Thu on May 15, 1987. Sentenced to 12 years.

17. Father Doan Phu Xuan: A priest of the Congregation of Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested along with Father Dominic Tran Dinh Thu on May 15, 1987. Sentenced to 10 years.

18. Father Dominic Ngo Quang Tuyen: Born July 1948. Arrested October 1982 and tried June 1986. Convicted of "organizing illegal departures" and "inciting corruption among party cadres." Given two prison sentences totalling 25 years; sentence later reduced to 18 years. Held at Z30A Camp, Xuan Loc, Dong Nai province.

19. Father Tran Huu Thanh: Arrested on February 15, 1976, probably as part of the government's effort to undermine Catholic leadership. Detained without charge or trial. At time of his arrest, was confined in two-square-meter cell in Ho Chi Minh City police station and subjected to torture for two months. Moved to Chi Hoa prison; after a year, taken to Hanoi for re-education. Transferred to house arrest in northern parish of Hai Duong; believed to be under supervision of local Communist authority in that area. (Sheila Jackson-Lee)

20. Ly Van Dinh: Catholic preacher of the Hmong community in Ha Giang province. Arrested, reportedly some time in 1992, with two other Hmong preachers, Vang Seo Sang and Sung Khai Pha. According to Vietnamese newspaper accounts, they were accused of "spreading illegal religious propaganda."

21. Vang Seo Sang: Catholic preacher of the Hmong community in Ha Giang province. Reportedly arrested some time in 1992.

22. Sung Khai Pha: Catholic preacher of the Hmong community in Ha Giang province. Reportedly arrested some time in 1992.

23. Ngo Van An: 59 years old, a former teacher who worked with the Catholic Church. Arrested on February 25, 1991. Accused of signing an open letter critical of the Catholic Church's relationship with the Vietnamese state. Sentenced without trial to three years in a labor and re-education camp. Held in Phan Dang Luu prison, Ho Chi Minh City.

24. Le Xuan Son: Lay leader of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested on June 18, 1987 when the Communist authorities searched the local church and found "many reactionary documents together with a large amount of illegally stored grain," and a pistol. Falsely charged of "terrorism, and being harmful to public security," he was sentenced to 14 years in prison, followed by three years of government surveillance and restricted movement. Last known to be held in Long Khanh prison camp.

25. Lau Si Phuc: Lay leader of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested on May 23, 1987 when the Communist authorities searched the local church and found "many reactionary documents together with a large amount of illegally stored grain," and a pistol. Falsely charged of "terrorism, and being harmful to public security," Phuc was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of government surveillance and restricted movement. Being held in Xuan Phuoc, Tuy Hoa prison camp.

26. Nguyen Van Dan: Lay leader of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested May 20, 1987 when the Communist authorities searched the local church and found "many reactionary documents together with a large amount of illegally stored grain," and a pistol. He was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment followed by 4 years of government surveillance and restricted movement on false charges of "terrorism and being harmful to public security." Currently held in the Xuan Phuoc camp, Tuy Hoa.

27. Nguyen Huy Chuong: Lay leader of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. Arrested on May 20, 1987 when the Communist authorities searched the local church and found "many reactionary documents together with a large amount of illegally stored grain," and a pistol. Falsely charged of "terrorism, and being harmful to public security," he was sentenced to 18 years in prison, followed by four years of government surveillance and restricted movement. Being held in Xuan Phuoc, Tuy Hoa prison camp.

28. Rev. Le Thanh Que: Catholic priest at Hien Linh Church in Thu Duc. He has been banned from all forms of religious practices as a priest. He is currently under surveillance in Thu Duc.

29. Rev. Nguyen Dinh De: He has been placed under police surveillance in My Tho Province. Despite his perfectly good health, the government told him that he was sick and needed some rest; only after he has recovered should he think of practicing religion. Address: 23 Ly Thuong Kiet, My Tho.

30. Rev. Nguyen Loc: He has been placed under police surveillance in My Tho Province. Despite his perfectly good health, the government told him that he was sick and needed some rest; only after he has recovered should he think of practicing religion. Address: 23 Ly Thuong Kiet, My Tho.

PROTESTANT CHURCHES

1. Pastor Nguyen Lap Ma (Christian Missionary Alliance, CMA): Head Pastor of the Southwestern Region of the Evangelical Church in Vietnam. He was placed under permanent house arrest since 1982 to date. He has also been beaten by the police on numerous occasions.

2. Pastor Kon Sa Ha Hak: Head-pastor of 10,000 Christians in the K'Ho montagnard tribe. He has been detained in prison. All of his property was confiscated. In prison, he suffered many forms of carnal punishment. For instance, the guards tied his hands behind his back and insert lit cigarettes in his nostrils.

3. Hoang Van Phung: Evangelist. He was arrested for practicing religion without a licence and held in labor camp at Thu Duc without trial. He was recently released but confined to permanent house arrest.

4. K'Manh: Evangelist of the K'Hor montagnard tribe in Lam Ha District, Lam Dong Province. He was interrogated repeatedly by the security police due to his religious preaching without permission from the government.

5. To Dinh Trung: Evangelist of the K'Hor tribe, a close collaborator of Rev. Tran Mai. He is serving a 3.5-year sentence for "having abused his freedom as a citizen to proselytize." He was repeatedly beaten during the 6-month pre-trial detention and subjected to many other forms of torture. Currently detained at Quang Ngai Provincial Prison. He was reportedly forced to sleep in the insect-infested prison latrines.

6. Tran Van Vui: Evangelist. Arrested on Nov. 20, 1994 and sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment for his preaching to the H'Re tribe. It is unclear whether he has been released.

7. Nguyen Van Loi: Evangelist, arrested on Nov. 20, 1994 and sentenced to 24 months for the same reason as Tran Van Vui.

8. Tran Thi Dong: She was arrested in September 1995 in a home in Ba To, Quang Ngai, where she and three other Christians held a Cathechism class. She was charged with "abusing her rights as citizen to take advantage of the people and the government." She was sentenced in February 1996 to three years in prison.

9. Vo Minh Bang: He was arrested on the same day as Ms. Tran Thi Dong and also sentenced to three years in prison.

10. Nguyen Gia Phai: He was arrested on the same day as Ms. Tran Thi Dong and also sentenced to three years in prison.

11. Pham Van Gam: arrested on the same day as Ms. Tran Thi Dong and also sentenced to three years in prison. He is of the Hre Tribe.

12. Nguyen Van Vuong: He is a Christian worker. On March 3, 1996, the authorities came to his rented house in Dien Bien, Lai Chau Province, searched it, confiscated his possessions and imprisoned him. He was held in the security police lockup awaiting trial. Currently detained at prison in Phu Yen District, Son La Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

13. Lo Van Hen: He is an evangelist of the Tai minority group. He was arrested on March 17, 1996 after the police had thoroughly searched his house and confiscated 100,000 dongs (equivalent to $10). The police tortured him by forcing him to stand motionless in the hot sun all day. Currently detained at prison in Phu Yen District, Son La Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

14. Lo Van Hoa: He is an evangelist of the Tai minority group. He was arrested at the same time as Mr. Nguyen Van Vuong and was similarly situated. Currently detained at prison in Phu Yen District, Son La Province. There his legs were tightly chained all day. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

15. Ho Van Duy: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at the Central Prison in Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

16. Ho Van Dung: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at the Central Prison in Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

17. Ho Van Truong: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at the Central Prison in Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

18. Nguyen Duc Loi: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at the Central Prison in Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

19. Nguyen Gia Phai: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at the Central Prison in Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

20. Ha Vo La: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at the Central Prison in Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

21. Dinh Quang: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at the Central Prison in Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

22. Ho Hoang Duy: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at Hanh Thien Prison, Huyen Nghia Hanh, Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

23. Dinh Be: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at Hanh Thien Prison, Huyen Nghia Hanh, Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

24. Nguyen Chi Phai: A Christian lay leader, he is currently detained at Hanh Thien Prison, Huyen Nghia Hanh, Quang Ngai Province. (Source: The Voice of the Martyrs.)

HOA HAO BUDDHISTS

The Vietnamese authorities have confiscated all assets and properties of the Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, including its central office in Chau Doc Province, 4,168 auditoriums, 452 meeting centers, and 2,876 provincial, district and village offices. According to the January 1994 report of the UN Commission on Human Rights, all these premises have been turned into government offices. According to the same report, the government has prevented 36,500 Hoa Hao officials at all levels from continuing their religious activities. Many among them have been sentenced to re-education camps or house arrests. Several eminent leaders among them have been executed, in particular Nguyen Van Phung, Nguyen De, Huynh Van Lau, Nguyen Van Bao, Nguyen Van Khiet, Nguyen Van Oanh, Le Chon Tinh, Nguyen Van Coi, Nguyen Van Ba, Nguyen Van Ut, To Ba Ho, and Nguyen Thanh Long.

The Puebla Institute's 1994 report on religious repression in Vietnam summarized the government's systematic suppression of the Hoa Hao Buddhist Church as follows:

"The Hoa Hao Buddhists have been all but crushed. Their religious ceremonies are prohibited, and any assembly of more than three persons is forbidden. Reportedly a number of their eminent leaders have been sentenced to death and four documented on Puebla's prisoner list are serving life sentence."

The situation has not changed since 1994.

1. Nam Liem: He is a 58 year old Hoa Hao priest who practiced his religion at a small family temple in Long Hoa I Village, Long Dien A Hamlet, Cho Moi District, An Giang Province. Since 1975, he had been arrested and briefly detained by the Communist authorities some 50 times for having refused to abandon his religious practice. On April 29, 1994, as he prepared for full-moon ceremony, the police raided his temple. He escaped arrest, climbed on a near-by tree where he staged a hunger-strike. His protest attracted a crowd of several thousands. On the fourth day, at the appeal of his mother, Mr. Liem ended his hunger-strike. He was immediately apprehended by the security police, tied and taken to a prison in Long Xuyen, An Giang. He has not been released.

2. Le Minh Triet (aka Tu Triet): He is a 57 year old farmer and also a priest practicing Hoa Hao Buddhism at home, where he secretly set up an altar on the second floor. In late 1993, the local government found out and ordered him to dismantle the altar. He refused. In December, 1993, the security police raided and dismantled his house. Mr. Triet narrowly escaped arrest and went into hiding. He reported the incident to the New Horizon Radio (based in Japan) and asked for help from the international human rights community. In February 1994, the security police captured him and jailed him at the Long Xuyen Prison in An Giang Province. He was later charged with the crime of disrespect for national law and conspiracy with reactionary forces overseas. He remains in prison.

3. Tran Huu Duyen: Born in 1920 in Hau Giang, South Vietnam. In 1960 he was sentenced in absentia by the Government of President Ngo Dinh Diem for participating in the Dan Xa Party (People's Socialist Party), affiliated with the Hoa Hao Buddhist Church. After the death of President Diem, he re-surfaced as the central liaison commissioner for the Dan Xa Party. After the Communist takeover, he was arrested on October 21, 1975 and charged with the crime of "participating in a reactionary party." He was released eight years later on June 20, 1983. He was again arrested on April 23, 1985, on the charge of "plotting to overthrow the people's government." He was released on July 15, 1987. On June 8, 1991, he was again arrested for the same "crime." He is last known to be in Camp Z30A K1 in Xuan Loc, Dong Nai Province. Despite his advanced age, he is still forced to do hard labor eight hours a day. Adopted by U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. (Released in Sep. 1998)

4. Nguyen Van Dau: Serving life sentence at A20, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

5. Nguyen Van Hung: Serving life sentence at A20, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

6. Nguyen Van Tren: Serving life sentence at A20, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

7. Nguyen Van Dung: Serving life sentence at A20, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

8. To Ba Ho: Serving life sentence at A20, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

CAO DAI

According to Puebla Institute's 1994 report on religious repression in Vietnam,

• "the entire Cao Dai leadership was killed after 1975,"

• in the early 1990s "over 4,000 of its members in Tay Ninh province were arrested as 'reactionaries,' and 'counter-revolutionaries.'"

In May 1996, the Communist authorities issued directive 42/QD/TU and 01/KH/TU to abolish the traditional Cao Dai Church, to suppress dissenting Cao Dai leaders, and to establish a government-controlled Cao Dai institution.

1. Huynh Van Thang: Head of the Cao Dai Congregation of Vinh Binh City, Ben Tre Province. In November 1995, he and several other Cao Dai leaders submitted a petition to the Government calling for religious freedom. The security police arrested him on charge of instigating "peaceful evolution." He was reportedly beaten by the police, suffering one broken rib and several broken teeth. He is currently detained at the P4 Prison in Tay Ninh Province.

2. Tran Van Khoa: A Cao Dai practitioner. Arrested on Jun. 26, 1996. Accused of conspiracy with Mr. Huynh Van Thang.

3. Vo Van Liem: Mr. Huynh Van Thang's deputy. Arrested on Jun. 26, 1996. Accused of conspiracy with Mr. Huynh Van Thang.

4. Duong Xuan Luong: Arrested on Jun. 26, 1996. Accused of conspiracy with Mr. Huynh Van Thang. Thang. He was reported as having conducted a hunger strike.

5. Cao Si Dung: A Cao Dai practitioner. Arrested on Sep. 21, 1996, for the same reason.

6. Ven. Do Hoang Giam: Arrested on Sep. 21, 1996 for the same reason.

7. Nguyen Manh Bao: Sentenced in 1988 to life. Currently held at Z30A Camp, in Xuan Loc, Dong Nai Province.

8. Ven. Tran Thanh Danh: Detained at Katum Camp, Tay-Ninh Province.

9. Tran Minh Quang: Serving life sentence at A20 Camp, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

10. Dinh Tien Mau: Serving life sentence at A20 Camp, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

11. Nguyen Thai Dung: Serving life sentence at A20 Camp, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

12. Doan Van Bach: Serving life sentence at A20 Camp, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

13. Nguyen Anh Dung (aka Phan Dang Chuc): Serving life sentence at A20 Camp, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

14. Truong Phuoc Duc: Serving life sentence at A20 Camp, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

15. Nguyen Ngoc De: Serving life sentence at A20 Camp, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

16. Vo Van Thang: Serving life sentence at A20 Camp, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

17. Ho Huu Khanh (aka Ho Vu Khanh): Serving life sentence at A20 Camp, Xuan Phuoc, Phu Yen Province.

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