Vietnam Detains Australian and Norwegian Activists on Terrorism Charges
Vietnam arrests two democracy activists from Australia and Norway, accusing them of terrorism and illegal border entry.
2 min read
Vietnam has detained two democracy activists, one Australian and one Norwegian, accusing them of joining a ‘terrorist organization’ and attempting to illegally enter the country. The two men, Ho Pham Hiep Huy and Nguyen Duc Thuan, were found in the custody of Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security after vanishing in Cambodia. They were allegedly arrested on September 18 while attempting to cross the border from Cambodia into Vietnam alongside a Thai man.
Background and Allegations
Both men are members of a U.S.-based pro-democracy group called Viet Tan, which the Vietnamese government has labeled a terrorist organization. Viet Tan claims its goal is to establish democracy and reform Vietnam through peaceful means. However, human rights groups like Human Rights Watch dispute Vietnam’s characterization of the group as a terrorist threat, stating that Viet Tan operates openly and lawfully in many countries.
Family and Medical Concerns
Viet Tan has expressed deep concern over the disappearance of the two men, noting that both have families back home. Thuan, who is diabetic and requires daily insulin injections, has been highlighted as needing immediate medical attention. His wife, Chloe Dang, has stated that her husband had no intention of entering Vietnam and was supposed to meet her in Bangkok to fly home to Australia.
International Reactions and Criticism
Viet Tan has condemned the Vietnamese government’s actions, calling it an act of transnational repression and accusing the regime of fabricating charges to suppress dissent. The group claims that the allegations of the men attempting to enter Vietnam with fake documents are a cover-up for their abduction in Cambodia. This tactic, according to Viet Tan, has been used frequently by the Vietnamese Communist Party to silence critics.
Government Responses and Support
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently making urgent inquiries with Vietnamese authorities to confirm the detention of its citizen. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has assured the family that consular services are being provided. Meanwhile, Norway has also expressed concern over the situation, with the families of the detained men calling for international action.
Source: Breitbart
