Socialist Republic of Viet Nam: Dr Pham Hong Son – Prisoner of conscience

This document focuses on the case of Dr Pham Hong Son, a 35 year old businessman and qualified medical doctor who was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for espionage on 18 June 2003 after a closed trial lasting only one day. He was also sentenced to three years house arrest on release from prison. He has 15 days to appeal his sentence. Amnesty International believes that Dr Pham Hong Son, arrested for the peaceful expression of his political beliefs, is a prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate unconditional release. Dr Pham Hong Son’s case is only one of many recent arrests and trials of people who are openly critical of aspects of Vietnamese government policy.

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