Vietnam: SEAPA urges fairness, transparency in trial for rights advocate
BANGKOK, 16 June 2009 — The Southeast Asia Press Alliance issued statement in which it expresses “deep concern” over the Vietnamese authorities’ arrest of Le Cong Hinh, “an established lawyer, writer, and defender of free expression and human rights.”
According to SEAPA’s statement, ”Mr. Dinh’s arrest is a simultaneous attack on two sectors vital to democratic reform in Vietnam or any society. It sends a chilling message not only to other writers and citizens who peacefully advocate for change, but also to those in the legal community who would defend the Vietnamese people’s right to free expression.”
SEAPA, which represents media and journalist organizations throughout Southeast Asia, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Dinh and urged the Vietnamese government to ensure “transparency and fairness” in the consideration of the charges brought against the attorney, by giving him access to his lawyers, and allowing independent media access to any and all future proceedings. SEAPA also asked that the international legal community be allowed to monitor all proceedings against Mr. Dinh.
