Hanoi - According to the news from Hoa Hao Buddhist media, today, March
18, 2014, thousands of ethnic Hmong from 4 provinces in the
northwestern mountainous region have gathered together around the court
house of Ham Yen district, Tuyen Quang province, where the trial of Thao
Quan Mua, a Hmongreligious and social activist detained since October
12, 2013, is going to take place. The large crowds hold banners and
chant “Free Thao Quan Mua!"
Earlier, on March 14, 2014, Mr. Hoang Van Sang, an associate of Mr. Thao
Quan Mua, was sentenced to 18 months in prison according to article 258
of the penal code.
The trial of Mr. Thao Quan Mua is scheduled today; two more associates
of his, Mr. Ly Van Dinh and Mr. Duong Van Tu, will be put on trial on
March 20, 2014.
However, shortly before the opening of the trial, the court abruptly
adjourns the trial to March 27, 2014, citing the judge experienced a
sudden stomach upset.
Even though most ethnic groups in the highland provinces earn a
limitededucation due to constantly living in poverty, they are no longer
submissive to the cruel communist rules and have overcome the fear of
brutal oppression.
Meanwhile, the Hoa Hao Buddhists from southern provinces of An Giang and
Dong Thap also make a protest this morning at the Ministry of Public
Security headquarters at 47 Pham Van Dong Street, Cau Giay District,
Hanoi, holding banners which read "Release those who are illegally
arrested and detained," "Release Bui Hang," "Release Nguyen Thi Thuy
Quynh" and "Release Nguyen Van Minh."
Mrs. Bui Hang’s son, Tran Bui Trung, joins the activists from Saigon and
Hanoi to demand the release of his mother, along with the group of Hoa
Hao Buddhist followers, who are the recent victims of arbitrary arrest
and detention, torture, coerced confession and bearing false witness,
committed by police of Lap Vo district, Dong Thap province.
The protesters, who seek justice for their friends and loved ones, are
verypeaceful but display defiance and courage convincing one that the
oppressed people of Vietnam, especially marginalized people in remote
areas who often face and endure injustice, are no longer afraid of the
cruel, red rulers’ iron fist.
Reportedly, following the protest at the headquarters of the Ministry of
Public Security to demand an unconditional release for those detained
arbitrarily, theHoa Hao Buddhists, activists, and relatives of prisoners
of conscience will continue to meet with diplomats and officials of
various Embassies and human rights organizations in Hanoi in the next
few days to report on human rightsviolations, the cases of arbitrary
arrest and brutal torture committed byVietnamese communist security
forces, especially the police of An Giang and Dong Thap.
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