House passes resolution condemning Vietnamese human rights violations

Published: 2007-05-03

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The House May 2 passed, nearly unanimously, a resolution calling for substantial human rights reforms in Vietnam, and the immediate release of all political prisoners, including a Catholic priest. The resolution, which passed 404-0 with three members voting "present," also called on the Vietnamese government to comply with internationally recognized standards for basic freedoms and human rights. "Vietnam has reverted back to its repressive practices and has arrested and imposed lengthy prison sentences on numerous individuals whose only crime has been to seek democratic reform and respect for human rights in their country," said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., the resolution's sponsor, during House debate on the resolution. One of those detained, Father Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly, had spent more than 14 years in prison before being arrested anew in February, tried and convicted on charges of spreading propaganda, and sentenced to eight years in prison. Father Ly is an adviser to a democracy movement in Vietnam called Block 8406, and a new political party, the Vietnam Progression Party.

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .