BACKGROUND INFORMATION During 2006 dissidents and political activists have increasingly attempted to exercise their right to freedom of expression, forming a small number of unauthorized political parties, attempting to publish bulletins about freedom of expression, and using the internet and online petitions to advocate democracy and human rights. The authorities have harassed and interrogated many of those involved. Viet Nam hosted the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit meetings between 12 and 19 November, which were attended by finance ministers and heads of state. In the run-up to the summit, and during it, several dissidents, including former prisoners of conscience, in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City were subjected to harassment, detention for interrogation, physical threats, surveillance and restrictions on movement. Before now political or religious dissidents have reportedly been confined to Bien Hoa Mental Hospital for non-medical reasons, and suffered ill-treatment.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English, French or your own language: - expressing concern that Bui Thi Kim Thanh has been detained against her will at a mental institution and that she has been injected with unknown medication against her will, all without apparent medical need; - expressing concern that her health is in danger, and that she is at risk of torture and ill-treatment; - calling on the authorities to release Bui Thi Kim Thanh from Bien Hoa Mental Hospital immediately and unconditionally; - urging the authorities to immediately investigate the arbitrary detention of Bui Thi Kim Thanh, and to bring those responsible to justice; - pointing out that the harassment of Bui Thi Kim Thanh for carrying out her peaceful political activities and professional work is a violation of her rights to freedom of expression and association, and calling on the authorities to ensure that it is ended immediately.
APPEALS TO: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung Office of the Prime Minister Hoang Hoa Tham Ha Noi Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Fax: + 844 823 1872 (c/o Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Email: bambientap@mofa.gov.vn (c/o Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Salutation: Dear Prime Minister Minister of Public Security Le Hong Anh Ministry of Public Security 44 Yet Kieu Street Ha Noi Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Fax: + 844 825 2733 Salutation: Dear Minister Minister of Health Tran Thi Trung Chien (f) Ministry of Health 138A Giang Vo Street Ban Dinh District Ha Noi Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Fax: + 844 826 5303 Salutation: Dear Minister
COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam accredited to your country. PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 5 January 2007. ******** Amnesty International, International Secretariat, 1 Easton Street, WC1X 0DW, London, United Kingdom
The state of the world's human rights
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