Vietnamese human rights defender and Catholic priest, Father Nguyen Van Ly, has been released from prison – months ahead of his expected release date.
In March 2007, pro-democracy activist Father Nguyen Van Ly was sentenced to eight years in prison for “conducting propaganda” against the state. Accusations against Father Ly included his involvement in the pro-democracy movement Bloc 8406, which he co-founded, and other banned political groups.
Father Ly has experienced terrible health while in prison, including suffering a stroke in November 2009, which left him paralysed on one side of his body. Prior to this he had been held in solitary confinement at Ba Sao prison camp where he was denied adequate medical care.
After much international pressure and negotiations with his family, the authorities released Father Ly temporarily in March 2010 for him to obtain proper medical assistance. After 16 months in care, and the diagnosis of a brain tumour, he was taken back to prison by ambulance to resume his sentence.
Father Ly, now 65, was originally set to be released in August but instead walked free on May 20, 2016.
Father Ly, now 65, was originally set to be released in August but instead walked free on May 20, 2016.
In Australia we have been working for Father Ly since 2003, supporting his advocacy for peaceful political reform and calling for his immediate release. Globally, countless Amnesty supporters took action for Father Ly – particularly when he had a stroke and was in need of urgent medical care.
Amnesty Action groups signed up to work for his case over the years, collecting petitions and writing letters on his behalf. School children wrote solidarity cards and messages of support for Father Ly and Australian politicians raised his case in parliament and when talking with Vietnamese officials. We would like to thank everyone who took action on behalf of Father Ly – your efforts were greatly appreciated not only by Father Ly but those close to him.
Severe restrictions on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly continue in Vietnam. The media and the judiciary, as well as political and religious institutions, remain under state control.
More than 80 prisoners of conscience remain imprisoned there in harsh conditions, after unfair trials. They include bloggers, political activists, religious followers and advocates for human rights and social justice. The authorities attempt to prevent the activities of independent civil society groups through harassment, surveillance and restrictions on freedom of movement. In the last year, bloggers and activists have been subject to an increase in harassment, short-term arbitrary detentions and physical attacks by security officers.
Amnesty welcomes the release of father Ly, and continues to campaign for the release of others, who like Father Ly, should never have been detained for peaceful activism.
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