My OperaDemocracy activists in Vietnam Jailed
Thursday, January 21, 2010 7:28:32 AM
These days it seems like the Chinese and Vietnamese governments are moving in the same direction. Away from democratic thoughts and in the direction of letting the communist parties take more control of the Citizens in their countries.
Both countries have seen a strong economic growth over the last decade, and this has maybe led their governments to the thoughts that they are the reason for the growth and therefore they see them as being right in controlling any criticism of what they are doing.
Unfortunately the following 4 democracy activists have been sentenced to prison this week:
They were initially charged with spreading anti-government propaganda.
But early last month, state prosecutors decided to bring more serious charges against them.
They were all convicted of "activities aimed at subverting the people's administration".
This is perhaps the harshest punishment against democracy campaigners in recent years.
I think this is a major drawback for the people in Vietnam and their strive for prosperity, peace and freedom. Any government that tries to control the thoughts of their Citizens are definitely not serving them and does not have a right to rule for them.
BBC Article
Both countries have seen a strong economic growth over the last decade, and this has maybe led their governments to the thoughts that they are the reason for the growth and therefore they see them as being right in controlling any criticism of what they are doing.
Unfortunately the following 4 democracy activists have been sentenced to prison this week:
- Human rights lawyer Le Cong Dinh, of trying to overthrow the Communist government. (5yrs)
- internet entrepreneur Tran Huynh Duy Thuc (16yrs)
- Nguyen Tien Trung (7yrs)
- Le Thang Long (5yrs)
They were initially charged with spreading anti-government propaganda.
But early last month, state prosecutors decided to bring more serious charges against them.
They were all convicted of "activities aimed at subverting the people's administration".
This is perhaps the harshest punishment against democracy campaigners in recent years.
I think this is a major drawback for the people in Vietnam and their strive for prosperity, peace and freedom. Any government that tries to control the thoughts of their Citizens are definitely not serving them and does not have a right to rule for them.
BBC Article
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