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May 06, 2025 – Vietnam –
Vietnam’s hardline stance on dissent continues to draw international concern, with several journalists imprisoned for sharing views critical of the government. Human rights advocates and press freedom groups are now urging U.S. officials to push for their release, emphasizing the growing repression in the Southeast Asian nation.
A coalition of press freedom organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has formally appealed to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio to address the issue with Vietnamese leaders. The appeal highlights the imprisonment of multiple journalists, arguing that the U.S. has both the influence and responsibility to advocate for their freedom during diplomatic engagements.
Among those behind bars is well-known journalist Huy Đức, who was sentenced in February 2025 to two and a half years in prison. His conviction was based on social media posts that authorities claim defamed the government. The case was prosecuted under Vietnam’s Article 331, a controversial law frequently used to silence criticism by labeling it as an abuse of democratic freedoms. Observers say this law allows the government to punish peaceful expression and online commentary.
Also detained is journalist and human rights advocate Pham Doan Trang, who is serving a nine-year sentence on charges of “anti-state propaganda.” Trang’s case has become emblematic of Vietnam’s broad crackdown on independent media and civil society. She was arrested in 2020, just hours after a U.S.-Vietnam human rights dialogue, raising questions about the sincerity of Hanoi’s diplomatic cooperation.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has joined the push for stronger American intervention. The group recently urged the U.S. Secretary of State to prioritize Trang’s release and to recognize the pattern of targeting journalists as part of a larger campaign to suppress free expression.
Despite Vietnam’s economic engagement with the West, the country remains one of Asia’s worst environments for press freedom. Critics argue that Western leaders should not overlook human rights violations in favor of trade or security ties. As international calls grow louder, advocates hope diplomatic pressure will help secure the release of jailed journalists and push Vietnam to ease its censorship grip.
Reference –
CPJ, partners urge Rubio to press Vietnam on jailed journalists
https://rsf.org/en/vietnam-rsf-urges-us-secretary-state-take-action-release-pham-doan-trang
