Vietnam: Statement by the Spokesperson on two death sentences

Onptember14, 2020, the Hanoi People’s Court handed down death sentences to defendants Le Dinh Cong and Le Dinh Chuc over their involvement in the tragic confrontation between civilians and security forces at Dong Tam commune on 9 January 2020.

The European Union is opposed to the use of capital punishment in all forms and under all circumstances, and consistently calls for its universal abolition. The death penalty is cruel and inhumane and its abolition is essential to protect every person’s right to life. There is a large and growing consensus in the world against the use of death penalty. The EU urges Vietnam to adopt a moratorium on its use, as a first step towards abolition.

Reports about the conditions and proceedings of the trial also raise serious concerns. The EU and its Member States strongly advocate for the rule of law and for the full right to a fair trial, as stipulated in Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Vietnam is a signatory party.