Vietnam Free Expression Newsletter No. 31/2017 – Week of September 25-October 1
Greetings from Huong, Ella, and Kaylee from The 88 Project! We are bringing you news, analysis, and actions regarding human rights and civil society in Vietnam during the week of September 25 – October 1. A former prisoner of conscience, Nguyen Viet Dung, was arrested on September 27 under Article 88 and now faces pre-trial detention. Tran Minh Nhat, also a former prisoner of conscience, has an order out for his arrest under Article 304, one of the same provisions that Nguyen Van Oai was tried under last week. Protestors were violently confronted in Hai Duong to disperse them from the entrance of a factory where they had been protesting over pollution concerns. Two organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of religious persons and organizations in Vietnam. Seven Montagnard refugees have been sent to the Philippines as the next step in their resettlement process, while 29 more wait for news regarding their possible imminent deportation back to Vietnam. A former bank executive was sentenced to death amidst an ongoing anti-corruption crackdown. VOICE’s UPR campaign continues until October 15. Last but not least, please take action for Nguyen Bac Truyen, who is in incommunicado detention.
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HUMAN RIGHTS & CIVIL SOCIETY

Former political prisoner Nguyen Viet Dung, 31, was re-arrested on September 27 under Article 88. He is the founder of the unsanctioned Republican Party in Vietnam and has been active in environmental and political protests. He was kidnapped and later charged by authorities; he now faces four months of pre-trial detention and up to 20 years in prison. He previously served 12 months in prison under Article 245 after being arrested during an environmental protest.

RELEVANT NEWS & ANALYSIS
TAKE ACTION
Please share the news of Nguyen Viet Dung’s arrest and call for his release, and please take Amnesty International’s Urgent Action for Nguyen Bac Truyen, whose location has been unknown since he was reported arrested.