Dear Minister:

I ask you to bring about the immediate and unconditional release of prisoners of conscience Tran Quoc Hien, Tran Thi Le Hang, Doan Huy Chuong, Doan Van Dien, and Nguyen Tan Hoanh. These five leaders of the United Workers-Farmers Organization (UWFO), who have campaigned for workers rights, are imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their human rights.

Authorities arrested Tran Quoc Hien, the spokesperson for the UWFO, in January 2007, and brought him to trial in May. He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment on charges of “conducting propaganda” against the state and “disrupting security.” In December, three of the others were tried and sentenced. Doan Van Dien was sentenced to four years and six months' imprisonment, Tran Thi Le Hang to three years, and Doan Huy Chuong to one year and six months. Unfortunately, I have seen no information regarding the current situation of the fifth unionist -- Nguyen Tan Hoanh.

The people of Vietnam, like all of the world’s people, are entitled to freely exercise their rights to freedom of association and expression. I urge you to ensure that Vietnam fulfills its international obligations to protect and promote these and all other human rights, including the right of trade unions to operate peacefully.

I am confident that you will work to ensure that Vietnam’s laws are not applied in a manner that stifles legitimate dissent or debate. I thank you in advance for your help in securing the immediate and unconditional release of Tran Quoc Hien, Tran Thi Le Hang, Doan Huy Chuong, Doan Van Dien, and Nguyen Tan Hoanh.

Sincerely,

copy to:
H.E. Ambassador Le Cong Phung
Embassy of Vietnam
1233 20th Street N.W., #400
Washington, D.C. 20036
Fax: 202-861-0917
Email: info@vietnamembassy.us