Viet Nam: Medical action: Dr Pham Hong Son

Dr Pham Hong Son, a 36-year-old prisoner of conscience, medical doctor and businessman, who has been in prison since March 2002, is reportedly coughing up blood. He also continues to suffer from an inguinal hernia. AI is calling for his immediate and unconditional release, and appropriate treatment of his health problems. Before his imprisonment, Dr Pham Hong Son shared information about democracy and human rights and wrote, via the Internet, to friends and government officials. He was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment for espionage, reduced to five years' on appeal.