VIETNAM: Before Macron’s visit to Hanoi, NGOs urge him to press for the release of over 68 religious prisoners
HRWF (22.05.2025) – Human Rights Without Frontiers (Brussels), CAP Liberté de Conscience (Paris), Forum for Religious Freedom – FOREF (Vienna), European Federation for Freedom of Belief/ FOB (London) and ArchHumankind (Brussels) are calling on the French President Macron to press the Vietnamese authorities for the release of 68 religious prisoners of all faiths (Buddhist, Protestant, Catholic, Duong Van Minh) during his visit to Hanoi from 25 to 27 May. The list with all the names structured per religious denomination is also available on the website of HRWF.
This list has been established by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), to which HRWF contributes as mentioned on their website.
The case of Pastor Nguyen Manh Hung (71)
In January 2025, Vietnamese authorities arrested a Protestant pastor known for his criticism of the government on Facebook on charges of “anti-state propaganda,” according to his son.
The charges carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Nguyen Manh Hungis a former soldier of the Northern Vietnam Army who fought in the Vietnam War. After his military service, he briefly worked as a manager before entering a monastery. He became a pastor in 2011 and formerly served as administrator of Chuong Bo Protestant Church under the independent Mennonite Church. He is currently a member of the Interfaith Council of Vietnam, which advocates for religious freedom.
The case of Ha Mon Catholic A Jen
A Jen is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.
In October 2015, authorities arrested him for participating in a religious group not approved by the government. Authorities accused him and other Ha Mon Catholics of separatist activities. He was subsequently charged with “undermining national unity policy.”
In 2016, Jen was sentenced to nine years in prison and three to five years’ probation.
The case of Buddhist Nguyen Hoang Nam
Nguyen Hoang Nam is imprisoned in relation to his religious affiliation.
On July 24, 2023, authorities arrested him after accusing him of posting materials online that undermined religious and national unity. He was charged with “making, storing, spreading information, materials, items for the purpose of opposing the State of Socialist Republic of Vietnam” (Art. 117/2015 VCC). Police also searched Nam’s home and confiscated several electronics and documents.
On December 11, 2023, the An Giang People’s Court sentenced Nam to eight years in prison.
The case of Duong Van Lanh (Duong Van Minh)
Duong Van Lanh is imprisoned for his religious activity.
In December 2021, authorities in Tuyen Quang province arrested dozens of people, including Duong, as they attended the funeral of their religious leader Duong Van Minh, who died on December 11, 2021. Police reportedly beat attendees as well.
On May 24, 2022, a court in Ham Yen district sentenced Duong to three years and nine months in prison for “violating safety in crowded areas” (Art. 295/2015 VCC).
Photo : National Assembly of Vietnam (Wikimedia)
