Human Rights Watch called on Vietnam to release five individuals arrested for publishing and promoting a book about Ho Chi Minh that allegedly contained anti-state content. The arrests highlight Vietnam's strict control over media and dissent.
The arrests highlight Vietnam's ongoing suppression of dissent and strict control over media, even concerning historical figures like Ho Chi Minh, potentially stifling free expression and journalistic activity within the country.
Human Rights Watch has called on Vietnam to release five individuals, including author Nguyen Thanh Nam, who were arrested for their roles in publishing and promoting a book about Ho Chi Minh. The Ministry of Public Security claims the book contained anti-state content, distorted history, and insulted President Ho Chi Minh and other leaders. The book, titled "In Conversation with Thanh: A New Account of the Light," was published in April and withdrawn in June following criticism. Police subsequently arrested Nam and four others, including senior officials from the Vietnam Writers' Association Publishing House, on charges of disseminating anti-state propaganda. Elaine Pearson, Human Rights Watch's Asia director, stated that the arrests send a "chilling message" to writers and journalists in Vietnam. Despite economic reforms, Vietnam's ruling Communist Party maintains strict control over media and dissent. Over 20 Vietnamese newspapers were reportedly fined for promoting the book, and the investigation is ongoing. Convictions under Article 117 of Vietnam's Penal Code can result in prison terms of up to 20 years.
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