Vietnam’s repression extends to Catholics

Baptist Press

Baptist Press

Baptist Press
Oct 14, 2013

WASHINGTON (BP) — Catholics in northern Vietnam protesting against the long-term detention of two parishioners have run afoul of authorities in the Southeast Asian country. “Anthony” Nguyen Van Hai, 43, and “Peter” Ngo Van Khoi, 53, were arrested May 22 for “disturbing the public order,” according to World Watch Monitor. Their alleged criminal act was visiting a Catholic shrine south of Hanoi in the Nghi Phuong Commune in Nghe An Province. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the men were to be released Sept. 2, traditionally considered a day for amnesty in Vietnam. When local police did not release the men, family members were joined the following day by a larger group of Catholics in front of the Nghi Phuong District Peoples’ Committee offices. Unconfirmed reports indicated that the district chief promised the release of the men on Sept. 4. Nguyen and Ngo were not released and the authorities ordered the Catholic protesters to disperse. When the protesters refused, a large of police, soldiers and private citizens beat the protesters with clubs, seriously injuring 40; shots reportedly were fired into the air and religious icons were smashed, according to CSW. Continue Reading…