Vietnamese Activist Barred from Leaving to US for Family Reunification

Mr. Vu Sy Hoang in Tan Son Nhat Int’l Airport after being barred from leaving the country

By Defend the Defenders, December 26, 2017

On December 26, security forces in the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City blocked human rights activist Vu Sy Hoang from travelling to the US where he would reunite with his family.

Mr. Hoang was stopped by security officers at the border gate. His passport was also confiscated by them.

Police explained that he is on the travel ban list issued by the Immigration under the Ministry of Public Security.

Mr. Hoang, who has participated in a number of peaceful demonstrations to protest human rights violations, China’s violations of the country’s sovereignty in the East Sea (South China Sea) and other issues.

Hoang, whose parents are residing in the US, has been harassed by Vietnam’s security forces in recent years due to his social activists.

Hoang is among over 100 activists barred of leaving country due to their political and social engagement.

Last month, security forces in Tan Son Nhat International Airport also stopped two outspoken Catholic priests from going abroad.