HRW calls on Vietnam to free dissident before trial

Last Updated: Sat, 2 Apr 2011 19:55:00 +1100

Human Rights Watch is calling on Vietnam to free a prominent dissident before his trial on charges of "propaganda against the state" begins.

Cu Huy Ha Vu had challenged the abuse of power, defended the victims of land confiscation and fought for the protection of the environment.

But when he goes on trial on monday he will face charges of spreading propaganda against the communist state through his writings, interviews with foreign media, and on the Internet.

In 2009 Mr Vu tried unsuccessfully to file a case against Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to seek the cancellation of a controversial bauxite mining plan.

A second attempt to lodge the case at the Supreme Court was also ignored.

Human Rights Watch says by prosecuting Mr Vu Vietnam is making a mockery of its international rtights obligation and sends a message that the justice system serves political interests in Vietnam.

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