PRESS RELEASE
April 07, 2026
Vietnam Must End Human Rights Violations—Not Just "Walk the Talk"
Joint
Statement by the Vietnam Human Rights Network and Defend the Defenders
WESTMINSTER,
Calif. - April
7, 2026 - PRLog -- Since
assuming leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam in August 2025, Mr. To Lam
has repeatedly invoked the language of "rule of law, transparency, and
accountability." These statements do not match reality. Instead, they serve as a
veneer for an intensifying campaign to silence dissent and consolidate control.
Escalating Crackdown on Dissidents
In just the last six months, nearly 30 activists have been arrested, most under
vague national security provisions designed to criminalize peaceful expression.
These laws are being used exactly as intended: to punish citizens for exercising
basic rights guaranteed under Vietnam's own Constitution and international
commitments.
The pattern is clear. In early March, Hanoi police arrested former prisoner of
conscience Le
Anh Hung for the third time under Article 117 ("propaganda against
the State"). Weeks later, authorities in Dak Lak sentenced former political
prisoner Huynh
Ngoc Tuan to eight years and six months in prison—again under Article
117. These are not isolated cases; they are part of a systematic policy of
repression.
Increased Control over the Media
In late March, the Party formalized its control over key national institutions,
including Vietnam Television, the Voice of Vietnam, and the Vietnam News Agency,
by reclassifying them as Party-affiliated bodies.
At the same time, citizens face punitive fines for online expression. In one
telling case, an individual was fined 7.5 million dong for predicting a fuel
price increase—an entirely accurate statement. Such actions underscore a simple
reality: truth itself is becoming punishable.
Expanding Surveillance and Social Control
The government is rapidly expanding its surveillance apparatus, from the mass
installation of security cameras to forcing citizens to hand over private data.
This practice is not about public safety; it is about control.
Compounding these concerns, the Ministry of Public Security is advancing a
decree that would fine individuals up to 70 million VND for failing to "protect
their own personal data." This provision is as unreasonable as it is dangerous,
effectively shifting state responsibility onto citizens while creating new tools
for arbitrary punishment.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The gap between rhetoric and reality in Vietnam is no longer credible. Mr. To
Lam's promises of reform ring hollow in the face of systematic repression
carried out under his leadership.
We call on the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam to immediately end
the persecution of dissidents, repeal repressive laws, and allow independent
civil society to operate without interference.
We further call on democratic governments and the international community to
move beyond statements of concern and take concrete action. Vietnam must be held
accountable for its obligations under international human rights law.
|
Tung Nguyen
Executive Director
Vietnam Human Rights Network |
Ngu Vu
Director
Defend the Defenders |