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Press Release
November 12, 2002
Rapid Action Network
RAN 54/02
VIETNAM: Dissident writer Le Chi Quang sentenced to four years’ imprisonment
International PEN is deeply alarmed by the heavy sentence handed down to the
dissident writer and attorney Le Chi Quang on 8 November 2002. PEN considers him
to be detained primarily for his criticism of the Vietnamese authorities and in
contravention of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),
to which Vietnam is a signatory. We therefore call for his immediate and
unconditional release.
Le Chi Quang was arrested on 21 February 2002 at an internet café, and was
charged with ‘communicating with overseas elements’ via the internet for an
October 2001 essay entitled ‘Beware of Imperialist China’. The essay reportedly
disclosed previously unreleased details of the land and sea border treaties
signed in 1999 and 2000 respectively. Quang, an outspoken critic of border
agreements, was tried on 8 November 2002 by the People’s Court of Hanoi and
sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and three years’ house arrest for the
‘dissemination of propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam’ under
Article 88 of the Vietnamese Criminal Code. During his trial, which lasted only
three hours, Quang’s lawyer was forbidden from presenting a case in his defence
and only his relatives were allowed to be present. Nearly one hundred people
reportedly gathered outside the courtroom in protest, one of whom was believed
to have been arrested.
Le Chi Quang is currently being held in B14 labour camp in Ha Dong province,
northern Vietnam. Already suffering from a serious kidney problem, his health
has reportedly gravely deteriorated since his detention began.
International PEN is extremely concerned at the recent crackdown on dissenting
voices in Vietnam as illustrated by the case of Le Chi Quang and those of the
dissident writers Pham Hong Son, Nguyen V! u Binh, Bui Minh Quoc and Tran Van
Khue. It reminds the Vietnamese government of its commitment to freedom of
expression as guaranteed by the Vietnamese Constitution and the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and calls for the release of all writers
held solely for the exercise of their right to freedom of expression.
Please send appeals:
- Denouncing the crackdown on freedom of expression in Vietnam;
- Protesting the severe sentence recently handed down to Le Chi Quang;
- Expressing concern at the rapid deterioration in his health;
- Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Le Chi Quang, Pham Hong
Son, Nguyen Vu Binh, Bui Minh Quoc, Tran Van Khue and all other writers held
solely for the exercise of their right to freedom of expression.
Appeals to be sent to:
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai
1 Hoang Hoa Tham Street
Hanoi
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Pham Quang Nghi, Minister of Culture and Information
1 Hoang Hoa Tham Street
Hanoi
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Please note that there are no fax numbers available for the Vietnamese
authorities, so you may wish to ask the diplomatic representative for Vietnam in
your country to forward your appeals. It would also be advantageous to ask your
country’s diplomatic representatives in Vietnam to intervene in the case.
The Writers in Prison Committee consider the case of Le Chi Quang to be
particularly appropriate for actions taken under the aegis of the Day of the
Imprisoned Writer on 14 November. For further information on this case or on the
Day of the Imprisoned Writer, please contact Sara Whyatt at International PEN
WiPC, 9/10 Charterhouse Buildings, Goswell Road, London EC1M 7AT, U.K.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7253 3226, fax: +(0)20 7253 5711, email:
sara@wipcpen.org.
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