Vietnam releases jailed priest one eve of Obama visit
May 23, 2016
Father Nguyen Van Ly, a Catholic priest who has been jailed for years because of his opposition to the Vietnamese Communist regime, was released by the government just prior to the arrival of visiting US President Barack Obama.
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The Archdiocese of Hue welcomed the release of Father Ly, and showed a photo of the 70-year-old priest, who has suffered several strokes, being helped from an escort van.
Father Ly was sentenced to an 8-year prison term in 2007, for criticizing the government's treatment of dissidents. He was released in March 2010 for treatment of a brain tumor, but taken back into custody in 2011.
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
May. 24, 2016 6:11 PM ET USA
Will Obama praise the release of the priest, or just ignore it?
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Posted by: dover beachcomber -
May. 24, 2016 1:30 AM ET USA
I hope we can get an update on Fr. Ly's status in the next few months. I would expect him to be quietly rearrested as soon as Mr. Obama leaves.
