ICC Note:
Asia News says that some are linking the reduction of economic ties and trade between the United States and Asia to a new spate of persecution against Christians. Asia News says that as the US, “disengages from Asia, Vietnam’s Communist government re-starts its crackdown against the opposition.” Asia news says that increased ties with the US fostered under previous administration had resulted in the “easing of oppression” and even the release of key religious figures from prison. In Vietnam, a fresh crackdown on Christianity began just a few days ago. A Catholic blogger who recently served a sentence in prison on vague charges was rearrested on January 19th. Van Oai is known for speaking out on issues of religious freedom and human rights in Vietnam. Vietnam is a communist country where people of all faith, including Christians, are often persecuted for their beliefs.
1/27/2017 Vietnam (Asia News) – Vietnam’s Communist authorities have arrested a young Protestant activist, previously released from prison in 2015 after serving a four-year sentence.
Nguyên Van Oai was first arrested in August of 2011 when the authorities carried out a series of raids against bloggers and pro-human rights activists with links to religious groups and organisations, environmental groups and anti-Chinese activists.
Together with the renowned Catholic blogger Paulus Le Van Son, the 32-year-old activist was sentenced to four years in prison and four years of probation, for trying to “overthrow the legitimate government”.
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