On February 27, Vietnam will witness the trial of prominent journalist Truong Huy San, known as Huy Duc. Arrested in June, he faces charges of “infringing upon the interests of the state” under article 331 of the penal code, a contentious law often used to suppress dissenters. If convicted, he could spend up to seven years behind bars, raising alarms over freedom of expression in the country.
Truong, a former journalist for Bao Tuoi Tre during the late 1980s and 1990s, established himself as a relentless political reporter. He earned a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship in 2005 at the University of Maryland, but upon returning to Vietnam, his popular blog addressing social issues was shut down in 2010. His 2012 Nieman Fellowship at Harvard gave birth to “Ben Thang Cuoc,” a pivotal work on Vietnam’s postwar dynamics, yet its sale remains banned domestically.
Despite governmental crackdowns, Truong continues to engage with over 350,000 followers on Facebook, tackling significant topics like environmental destruction and the overreach of the Ministry of Public Security. His concerns surrounding the concentration of power resonate widely, especially under the leadership of To Lam, a former minister notorious for his oppressive tactics.
In a poignant 2013 remark, Truong encapsulated the essence of resistance, stating, “no free man would ever choose prison. But, in some cases, to defend a right to freedom, prison cannot be avoided. If everybody avoids prison, we will never achieve freedom.” This conviction underscores his commitment to social justice, even at great personal risk.
The call for justice is clear: Vietnam’s government must drop all charges against Truong Huy San, liberate him from detention, and release all individuals prosecuted for peacefully expressing their political views. The international community watches closely, advocating for the fundamental right to free speech, essential for a vibrant and free society.
Vietnam is set to trial journalist Truong Huy San, charged with infringing state interests. Arrested in June, he risks seven years in prison, prompting concerns over free speech. A renowned political commentator and author, Truong’s advocacy for freedom and social justice positions him as a key figure in Vietnam’s ongoing struggle for human rights.
Truong Huy San’s impending trial reflects a broader struggle for freedom of expression in Vietnam, where critiques of the government are met with severe repercussions. His unwavering commitment to social justice, even in the face of imprisonment, highlights the crucial need for reform in the country’s approach to dissent. The international community continues to support advocates like him in the battle for political freedom and human rights.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
