Vietnam dissident lawyer set to stand trial

This picture taken on July 8, 2012 shows lawyer Le Quoc Quan (C) shouting during an anti-China rally in Hanoi (AFP/FILE)

This picture taken on July 8, 2012 shows lawyer Le Quoc Quan (C) shouting during an anti-China rally in Hanoi (AFP/FILE)

HANOI (AFP) –  A prominent Vietnamese activist lawyer is expected to go on trial Wednesday amid tight security, as campaigners threaten street demonstrations and international rights groups demand his immediate release.

Le Quoc Quan is due to appear at the Hanoi People’s Court early Wednesday on charges of tax evasion, the Hanoi external relations department said in a letter sent to AFP and other foreign news agencies.

Vietnamese authorities frequently cancel such trials at very short notice, particularly if there is a risk of public protest.

The trial was originally scheduled for July 9 but postponed at the last minute.

The letter warned foreign news agencies not to bring “recording or communication equipment” to the court. Continue Reading…