Vietnamese Catholic activists given 7-month jail sentences

October 25, 2013

Two lay Catholic activists, whose arrest by the Vietnamese government sparked a series of confrontations between civil officials and Catholic demonstrators in the Diocese of Vinh, have been sentenced to 7-month jail terms.

Ngo Van Khoi and Nguyen Van Hai were arrested in June and held for weeks without charges. They were finally convicted of disturbing public order after a short court hearing that took place without prior notice. Church officials continue to insist that the two are innocent of wrongdoing.

 

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Further information:

• Vinh, 7 months jail for two Catholics who fought for religious freedom (AsiaNews)
• Vietnamese Catholics, police in standoff at Vinh diocese demonstration (CWN, 10/8)