Viet Nam: Four peaceful activists arbitrarily arrested in connection with long-detained human rights lawyer
An intensifying crackdown on the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association has seen lengthy prison sentences handed down to two prominent human rights defenders in the last five weeks, and the arrest of four activists on 30 July 2017. They are accused of "carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the People's Administration" under Article 79 of the 1999 Penal Code, which carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment. Amnesty International is calling for their immediate and unconditional release.