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Crackdown on Religious Freedom in Vietnam
Montagnards Stand for Justice | 2026.3.24 In a series of highly coordinated security operations on the morning of March 23, 2026, Vietnamese authorities executed multiple raids across the communes of Drai Bhang, Dur Kmăn, and Ea Knuêc. These actions targeted six prominent preachers belonging to independent Protestant house churches. The operations were characterized by a massive deployment of security personnel, tactical utility disruptions, and reported physical assaults on family members attempting to document the proceedings.
DAK LAK, VIETNAM
— In a series of highly coordinated security operations on the morning of March
23, 2026, Vietnamese authorities executed multiple raids across the communes of
Drai Bhang, Dur Kmăn, and Ea Knuêc. These actions targeted six prominent
preachers belonging to independent Protestant house churches. The operations
were characterized by a massive deployment of security personnel, tactical
utility disruptions, and reported physical assaults on family members attempting
to document the proceedings. Drai Bhang Commune (Ea Khit Village) At approximately 6:00 AM, a combined force of over 70 personnel—comprising commune police, provincial officers, and traffic police—surrounded the residences of local clergy. Authorities reportedly severed electrical power to the immediate neighborhood prior to the intervention to minimize external communication and visibility. During this operation, Y Wen Niê and Y Bây Êban were forcibly removed and transported to a local station for interrogation. Witnesses report that family members were targeted for documenting the arrests. H Sêpôra Êban was allegedly struck by officers and her mobile device was seized. Similarly, H Da Êban was reportedly assaulted by three officers while filming; her iPhone XS was confiscated and the screen was intentionally destroyed. Key personnel identified in this sector include Senior Lieutenant Colonel Y Thu Êban (Chief of Commune Police), Major Lê Ngọc Nam, and officers H Tinh Hwing and H Nghiê Êban. Dur Kmăn Commune (Cuê Village) A separate unit of approximately 50 officers initiated a sweep at 5:00 AM. This operation was notable for its rapid execution, preventing family members from effectively documenting the detentions. In this sector, authorities apprehended Y Yương Byă, Y Pôin Bdap, and Y An Hdruê.
Notably, Y An Hdruê was apprehended while working in a private agricultural
plot. While family members of Y Pôin Bdap attempted to peacefully obstruct the
arrest, they were bypassed by the sheer volume of the security force. Local
sources identified Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Y Bhem Ênuôl, and Y Đoan Ênuôl as
participating officers. Ea Knuêc Commune (Puôr Village)
At 5:30 AM, a contingent of 30 officers targeted the home of Y SăngTi Bkrông. As
observed in the Drai Bhang raid, a strategic power outage preceded the arrival
of the police, who subsequently took the preacher into custody for questioning.
II. Profile of the Targeted Individuals The individuals currently in custody include:
III. Conclusion and Human Rights Implications The synchronized nature of these raids suggests a systemic effort by Dak Lak provincial authorities to suppress independent religious leadership. The use of disproportionate force against civilians, the destruction of personal property to prevent documentation, and the targeting of individuals engaged in human rights education raise serious concerns regarding the violation of international religious freedom standards.
As of the afternoon of March 23, the six men remain in police custody for
interrogation regarding their religious activities.
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