Embassy Statement: Vietnamese Court Decision to Convict Activists Nguyen Huu Thien An and Nguyen Huu Quoc Duy

Nguyen Huu Quoc Duy (R) and Nguyen Huu Thien An in courtroom

U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, August 24, 2016

We are deeply concerned by a Vietnamese court’s conviction of activists Nguyen Huu Thien An and Nguyen Huu Quoc Duy, who were sentenced to two and three years in prison, respectively, under Article 88 of Vietnam’s Penal Code. The use of criminal provisions by Vietnamese authorities to penalize individuals exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is disturbing.

These convictions appear to be inconsistent with the right to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly provided for in Vietnam’s Constitution, and with Vietnam’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as with other international commitments. We call on the government to release unconditionally these two individuals, as well as all other prisoners of conscience, and allow all Vietnamese to express their views without fear of retribution.