Christian human rights lawyer sentenced to 15 years in prison

Six Vietnamese defendants tried on Thursday have been sentenced to between seven and 15 years in prison for activities against the state.

According to religious freedom charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Christian human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai received the longest sentence of 15 years in prison and a further five years under house arrest. 

Dai, who’s also a pro-democracy activist,  as well as pastor and activist Nguyen Trung Ton were found guilty of  “carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the government” under Article 79 of the Vietnamese penal code.

CSW’s chief executive, Mervyn Thomas, strongly condemned the sentences and has called on the international community to do the same.

“Nguyen Van Dai, Nguyen Trung Ton, Nguyen Bac Truyen and the other defendants have peacefully defended the rights of others in line with international human rights treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

“The accusations against them are an attempt to silence those calling for a just and fair society, and these unjust and lengthy sentences are a grim reflection of the direction the Vietnamese government is taking and the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.

“We stand with their family members and supporters in calling for their unconditional release.”

CSW has been advocating on behalf of Christian human rights lawyer #NguyenVanDai…