Lawmakers in U.S. Congress are condemning recent arrests and harassment of dissidents in Vietnam, saying they demonstrate that the government in Hanoi is not serious about pledges to improve human rights conditions. VOA's Dan Robinson reports, four Republican congressmen appeared at a Capitol Hill news conference with Vietnamese activists and pledged legislative steps and other actions in response.
Nguyen Dinh Thang (l) and Chris Smith
Congressman Chris Smith has been among the most outspoken members of Congress regarding human rights and religious freedom issue around the world.
He says he is angered by a string of arrests in Vietnam beginning in February and continuing through this month.
Smith says the arrests, characterized by human rights groups as among the worst in two decades, should be a "wake up call" for the Bush administration and Congress that granting Vietnam Permanent Normal Trade Relations has not resulted in improvements in human rights.
"I hope that we finally get it, and I hope the administration gets it, and the congressmen on the Democrat and Republican side, who have this naïve belief that if you just trade, somehow that trading will matriculate [grow] into respect for human rights," he said. "It has not happened in China, it has not happened in Vietnam, and we need to put additional pressure."
Representatives of Vietnamese-American human rights, religious freedom and democracy groups appeared with Smith to provide details about some of those arrested in recent weeks.
Nguyen Dinh Thang, of the organization Boat People SOS, spoke about one of those arrested.
"Another young lawyer, Le Quoc Quan, who just returned to Vietnam from the United States after his fellowship with the NED [National Endowment for Democracy] here," said Nguyen Dinh Thang. "He got arrested two days ago, and his whereabouts [are] not known to his own family, his wife and his daughter."
Among others recently detained by authorities was Tran Van Hoa, spokesman for the anti-Communist People's Democratic Party.
One report says he was detained in Quang Ninh and released after 12 hours in custody, after being told to cease his political activities.
Human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai was arrested in Hanoi on March 6, along with activist-lawyer Le Thi Cong Nhan, with authorities telling both they would be detained at least four months.
Doan Viet Hoat
Doan Viet Hoat, one of the best known Vietnamese dissidents who now lives in the United States, says the recent crackdown shows that the government in Hanoi has never really moved away from its pattern of human rights oppression, despite the trade concession it won from the U.S. Congress last year:
"The dictators in Hanoi believe that they now have been welcomed into the international community, and so they can oppress the Vietnamese dissidents and human rights advocates freely without facing any sanction," he said.
Frank Wolf and Dana Rohrabacher are Republican congressmen known for their sharp attention to human rights issues.
Frank Wolf
"We just gave this government, this evil government, [Permanent Normal Trade Relations], and now look and see what they are doing," Wolf said. "Where is the Bush administration on this issue? The Secretary [of State] and the Assistant Secretary ought to be speaking out."
"Because the Communist government of Vietnam is acting like a Communist government, it should be of no surprise to all of us," said Rohrabacher. "Gangsters act like gangsters, which the Vietnamese government is again reaffirming for us today."
The statements came a day before a scheduled meeting in Washington between Vietnam's foreign minister Pham Gia Khiem, who also serves as deputy prime minister, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Ed Royce
Republican Congressman Ed Royce says he and others are sending this message to the visiting Vietnamese delegation, as well as the government in Hanoi.
"We here today and many others in Congress are making this point, we know the administration is going to make this point, we want a response from the government in Vietnam on this important issue of erasing human rights and any dignity and freedom of the people of Vietnam," he said. "We must have an answer."
Congressman Smith has introduced a resolution condemning recent arrests and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of dissidents.
The measure warns that ongoing harassment, detentions and arrests will harm the broadening of ties with the U.S., and result in Vietnam being put back on a list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) for severe and ongoing violations of religious freedom.
Among the dissidents specifically mentioned in Smith's resolution is Father Nguyen Van Ly, a human rights and democracy activist, who was moved by authorities in February to an isolated location in Ben Cui central Vietnam.
Update on the situation of recent arrest prior and during APEC summit
Update on the situation of recent arrest prior and during APEC summit
Pictures:
Nguyen Tan Hoanh (top left), Tran thi Le Hang aka Tran thi Le Hong (top
right), Nguyen thi Tuyet (bottom left), Doan Huy Chuong (bottom right -
note: this is right picture of Mr. Doan Huy Chuong)
--------------------
On
14, 15 and 18 November 2006, the Ha Noi Government secret police
arrested, and continue to detain, several founders and member of the
United Workers-Farmers Organization (UWFO) of Viet Nam including:
Nguyen Tan Hoanh, 22
years old, founder and representative of the United Workers-Farmers
Organization of Viet Nam (UWFO), was a worker at Seafood Import/Export
Company in Dien Ban, Quang Nam. Hoanh moved to Saigon, participated and became leader of several labor strikes.Arrested November 15, 2006 in Long Thanh, DongNaiProvince, currently detained at B5 Prison in Dong Nai
Tran Thi Le Hang aka Nguyen (Tran) Thi Le Hong, 47 years old,founder
and representative of UWFO and farmer and worker by trade, Le Hong was
involved in several labor strikes before her arrest November 15, 2006 in Dong Nai province. Currently being detained at B5 Prison in Dong Nai province.
Doan Huy Chuong aka Hoang Huy Chuong, 21 years old, worker in the Industry Zone in Bien Hoa 2, member of the UWFO. Chuong was arrested November 14, 2006 in Dong Nai province. Currently detained at B5 Prison in Dong Nai.
Doan Van Dien, 52 years old and father of Doan Huy Chuong, a Mennonite who was previously detained on September 11, 2006 due to his religious activities, arrested November 15, 2006 resident of Dinh Quan and member of UWFO of Viet Nam.
Le Van Sy, farmer and member of UWFO - arrested November 15, 2006 in Saigon, detention location unknown.Nguyen Thi Tuyet, worker and member of UWFO joined several labor strikes in Dong Nai. Arrested November 15, 2006 in Saigon, detention location unknown.
Le Ba Triet, member ofUWFO, resident of Sai Gon, arrested November 18, 2006 in Saigon. Currently detained in 4 Phan Dang Luu, Binh Thanh, Sai Gon.
Nguyen Tuan, member ofUWFO, resident of Sai Gon- arrested November 18, 2006 in Sai Gon. Currently detained in 4 Phan Dang Luu, Binh Thanh, Sai Gon.
We
have learned that the Ha Noi Government released Doan Trieu Hai (Hao),
16 years old, and Doan Trieu Kinh-Kha, 14 years old already several days after the arrest of their father Mr. Doan Van Dien had finally been confirmed.The
Ha Noi Government has continuously shown their disrespect as
international pressure continues its call for human rights concessions
that live up to the free world standard for Respect and Dignity. We,
the Peoples Democratic Party urgently call upon the members of US
Congress and Senators to hold off the granting of Permanent Normal
Trade Relations (PNTR) until human rights in Viet Nam is honored.
November 26, 2006
Do Thanh Cong
----------
Workers and Laborers,
Stand Up for Democracy in Vietnam!!!
Huynh Viet Lang *,
Peoples Democratic Party
(Translated by Thuy Tu)
There is nothing to be shameful for even if Democracy is to be established tomorrow in Vietnam.Democratic Fighters have been ardently fighting and firmly determined in their noble cause to democratize this country.Only reluctance and cowardly attitudes are deserving of blame!!
The due date for the Minimum Wage Decree 03, enacted on February 01, 2006, has elapsed; unfortunately many investors within Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) groups still hesitate to implement it.Although
the majority of them agreed to comply with the decree of Minimum Wage,
they eliminated all supplemental allowances such as lunch, good
attendance, and responsibility, etc.As a result, in Saigon metropolitan alone, there were 11 strikes within the first two weeks of February, 2006.While the number of strikes was slightly reduced compared to earlier months, the duration of the strikes were much longer.A five day strike occurred at Perfect VN and four days at Hue Phong Co., etc.In total, 10,890 workers were involved in the strikes1.
Not
accounting for the lack of strategic planning in economy, the Decree 03
indicates that abrupt increases in minimum wage do not necessarily
improve the labor conflicts.
1)
To investors, the sudden 40% increase of wages and salaries, instead of
incremental, forces them to deal with the unexpected growth (of 2% to
3%) of total business expenses2.
2) To workers, the Decree 03 of Minimum Wage only accounts for the inflation alone and does not reflect a true wage increase.The result is continued strikes that are not limited to Southern sites and will soon explode nationwide.
I.STRIKES AN ACTION OF WORKERS DETERMINATION
I.1The Critical Shortage of Workforce.
Periodically, companies located within the Industrial and Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in South Vietnam face a shortage of the workforce, in particular after the Lunar New Year holiday.In 2006 alone, the shortage of workforce has become more critical.EPZ Tan Thuan is hiring 9,000 additional general workers on emergency basis.The other EPZs, Linh Trung, Tan Tao, Le Minh Xuan, are recruiting more than 3,000 laborers.While the newly recruited workers barely meet the demand, the companies have to deal with high turnover rates and attrition.Which are caused by the fierce job market Saigon and its vicinities, i.e. Binh Duong and Dong Nai.
In 2005, City of Dong Nai lost more than 20,000 workers.This year the demand of the Industrial Zones within the city has been increased to 46,000 workers.Due to a critical shortage in the workforce around the Lunar New Year, the production rate of companies has sharply decreased.Since January 2006, total production in the city of Dong Nai has decreased 7% from the previous months3.Binh
Duong city has illustrated a similar demand for labor in 2006;
unfortunately the hope to fulfill the workforce requirement is very
dim.
I.2A Knockout to the Totalitarian Regime
The
friction between workers and employers is very violent, forming an
enormous wave which severely shocks the Vietnamese society.Before 2005, labor strikes were the ultimate weapon for workers in industrial disputes and exploitation.In 2006, strike became an action of the workers determination in fighting for their rights in the workplace.While
numerous communications between government and its controlled labor
unions failed to resolve the strike, it has become the sole
communication channel between workers and Vietnam (VN) government.The year 2006 will mark significant changes for Vietnam.Without democratic orientation, the changes will not be for the best, but for the worst.
The
VN authoritarian government has concentrated on funneling all national
resources into the race of economic growth; on the other hand it
ignored fundamental obstacles on the track.This conduct reflects the undeniable infancy in the Vietnamese economy.As
a result, the syndrome of confiscation of lands, the possible collapse
of national banking system, and the huge gap of income within the
social structure will become critical disasters for VN government.If
these disasters are not severe enough to knockout the government, in
the base case they will erode the bureaucratic structure and lead to
its unavoidable collapse in the near future.
Now let us turn to the current unjust social structure of VN.In
contrast to the extremely low living standards in which the majority of
Vietnamese citizens are suffering, is the extravagant world of the
government officials, VCP cadres, their families and associates.Thousands of luxury cars have been bought for personal use by government and VCP4.While
numerous strikes of workers occur across the nation to demand for basic
necessities and for working rights, the wasteful spending for their
luxurious life is absolutely immoral and unacceptable.The Vietnamese totalitarian government has destroyed the cohesiveness of Vietnamese social structure in record time.The social gap between the rich and the poor has been widened swiftly and continuously.It
took the U.S. more than 200 years for the ratio of incomes between
these two social classes to reach the level of 9.1; unfortunately it
took VN only 20 years since the reform to arrive at 8.15.
Without a doubt FDIs have played the most important role in the quickly rising GDP in recent years.FDIs will be ever more critical in the year 2006.In the past, Vietnam has failed to promote high-tech knowledge and skills among the workforce through economic reform.Instead,
the Vietnamese government has brutally built their industry upon the
sweat and tears of the workers as the only competitive advantage in the
global market.Instead of concentrating on
excelling in the legal and banking systems and providing an effective
infrastructure to attract foreign investments, the Vietnamese
government has blindly grasped cheap labor as the only token in their
strategic planning to lure foreign investors.
It is pitiful for Vietnamese workers and laborers.One day, when all sweat and tears are totally exhausted, they will have nothing left but their own bare bones.
I.3The Confrontation for Workers Rights.
Dissimilar
to most developed nations in which the legal system is not influenced
or manipulated by government, politicians and mass media; the legal
system in Vietnam is full of weaknesses and intentionally disconnected
from the growth of the society.Strike is an unavoidable drama in such an unjust society.
Until now, workers and laborers have played minimal roles in VNs central command economic strategies.Neither
their poverty nor their depression, their unjust and poor working
conditions were seriously discussed during the sessions held at the
National Assembly.Worst of all, the government
betrayed its own citizens when promising a minimum wage increase that
is still far below the yearly inflation rate of 10%.
In regards to the legal system, the amending process of Labor Laws has been idle for years.Instead of reforming the VN constitution first (in which Private Property Rights are still not honored and Article 4 of the 1992 Constitution still guaranties VCP monopoly over political power)6 and then using its fundamental rights to amend the Labor Laws.VN lawmakers have been following a reversed procedure in announcing that the amendments of New Labor Laws will be based on the Right to Strike Act, as quoted by Nguyen Thi Hang, Minister of Labor, Veterans and Social Welfare.Without
fundamental knowledge of the legal system Vietnamese law makers have
been chasing their own tails, which equates to an illegitimate and
inapplicable legal system.Due to a lack of
understanding of basic relationships between critical elements which
truly govern the economical mechanism, the law makers (VN government
and VCP officials) have alternated between grasping power and
protecting workers benefits.Law makers are
torn between siding with the so-called populations benefits and
demanding working rights for individual workers in the industrial
disputes.Evidently, the VN government has underestimated the power and determination of workers, as well as ignored their basic demands.The
consequences of their ignorance were continued labor strikes through
May 2006, when the proposition was to be passed by the Congress.This proposition may deem labor conflicts and striking illegal under a circumscribed set of conditions.
Although
hindered by the adverse law making procedures, the proposal committee
of Labor Laws strongly opposes workers rights by ignoring the
International Labor Law, which has been honored worldwide.7 In
their report to government the committee proposed a revision of Act 80
of the existing Labor Law in order to regulate, instead of promoting
strikes as a legal acts in resolving industrial disputes8.
On
the other hand, the population growth in the industrial and export
processing zones has nurtured solid and well structured societies of
workers within the area.There the communication and cooperation united them and formed strongholds.In
spite of strict rules and regulations imposed by the communist regime,
these worker societies keep growing at a magnificent rate.They
have taken the initiative to engage in recent strikes against unfair
exploitation of foreign investors, and those who have made the
administrative restriction aimed at reducing the effectiveness of
labor strikes.
Vietnamese society, as a whole, is not much different from the worker societies.Currently,
it is impossible to implement any kind of restrictions on society for
the benefit of an elite minority class at the expenses of the vast
majority of Vietnamese people.
Also,
it is worthy to clarify that it is not the strikes, but the brutal and
lawless administrative procedures, which have disappointed and driven
the FIDs away.
II.SUPPORT OUR BROTHER LABORERS
The democratization progress in 2006 has been focused on two hot spots: human rights and civil rights at work.Being the victims of exploitation and injustice, our brother laborers have refused to surrender.Instead, they choose to struggle for their rights and justice, not only for themselves but for the country as a whole.In their struggles the younger generation9 is standing up as the leaders in the democratic movements in Vietnam.The
year of 2006 will mark breakthroughs in the democratization progress,
in which there remains no defensive tactic but only offensive.
II. 1.Totalitarian Regime Is Isolating Themselves.
The
political system in Vietnam today is still far from the international
standard models, in which social and economic inequalities should not
exist.Vietnamese citizens have been brainwashed of independent opinions, not to mention opposing ones.The
secret and underground police forces are at the helm and ready to
impose their brutality on those who dare to believe that the life could
be better than their current state of affairs.
Surprisingly, communist
ideologies, which have been acclaimed as the basic principles and
guidelines since the inception of the ruling party, were not mentioned in the political report at the 10th Convention of the Vietnamese Communist Party.Intentionally or not, this fact indicates that changes have been set in motion in their own political system.Needless
to say, the essence of the worker class which was assimilated as that
of the communist party itself has been outdated and is no longer
effective in bluffing anyone.The ratio of workers among VCPs newly recruited members has dropped sharply to 10-11%.It is strong evidence of the discontent among workers towards the regime.
Forceful imposition of the communist ideology on society has been an act of betrayal against the nations will.It is worthy to note that along
the course of its history, Vietnamese people have never voted for the
communist party to be neither their representative nor their ruler!!
Struggling
with the strategic crisis in its ruling policy, the VN communist regime
has surrounded itself in a war without frontiers.In reality, every individual Vietnamese has become a solder, fighting against inequality and exploitation.Therefore, no matter how tight the iron net was set; it could not provide the communist regime a safe heaven.In the near future, the freedom and democracy fighters will appear anywhere and anytime to confront with totalitarian regime.
Playing the ruling role for so long, the VN leaders have differentiated and isolated themselves from the population.Any
effort generated and carried out by the government in suppressing the
democratization movement does not deserve any support from Vietnamese
people.This fact has lifted the long lasting fear of which the VCP has instilled in the people for many decades in order to rule.Vietnamese workers have run out of patience.Being pushed against the wall they have no choice but to fight for as long as they are living on this earth.
Similar
to Eastern European countries, there is no doubt that the collapse of
the communist regime will come from its internal contradictions.However, other factors are critically necessary to accelerate the process to its end.Lack
of effort and determination to accelerate the democratization, the VN
patriots would give the totalitarian regime an opportunity to survive
and to last.
II.2Supporting Democratization An Act of Self Determination.
Unlike the strikes of yesteryears which were associated
with unavoidable industrial disputes, mainly bread and butter issues,
nowadays the scope of strikes has changed dramatically.It is a self determination to fight for our own dignity, values and rights as workers and citizens.
Any
efforts to put an end to economic influence and ideological
restrictions carry the same effect as offensive acts against the
totalitarian regime.More than ever, support from scholars, students, investors and farmers are critical in the democratization progress.The fighting of workers does not only require support from mass media and its sources, but also from the society as a whole.It is the right time to prove that freedom of press and speech will overwhelm the fear and threats.
Supporting democratization in VN gives us a valuable opportunity to re-affirm that it is we who are the true and only possessors of this country.Supporting
the democratization is also providing us a favorable environment to
sharpen our ability to be involved in and serve the society and
community in which we are living.Within our
capability each and every individual should share the responsibility
and burden, which the country has called upon us.
The
erosion process caused by the free market economy is unavoidable, but
too lengthy a process to destroy a totalitarian regime.Democratization
requires collaboration from all social resources to accelerate it
through all phases to the final confrontation required to destroy this
dictatorial regime.
Dont sit there and beg for charity, for favors from the brutal and corrupted rulers.Stand
up as a true man with all of your dignity and fight for what you
deserve as a human being. The call of the country is still resonating
from the old days to convene its citizens for their contribution in the
restoration of our beloved country.
The fire has been set by the labor strikes but the heat from the conflict alone is not enough to melt the totalitarian regime.When majority of society joins the workers in the democratization movement, the collapse of the regime is certainly impending.
III.CLOSING REMARKS THE STORY OF A WIND CHIME.
He is a student.She is a worker of the export processing zone Linh Trung.They share a dream of a wind chime hung on the gable of their small but cozy dream house.They have dreamed of beautiful children cheerfully welcoming their parents home from work.
This New Year has long gone, unfortunately she has not returned.The breeze from SaigonRiver is getting stiffer.Wind from ThuBonRiver is lost somewhere.Sunshine is fading by the sorrow at Linh Trung.The loved one is no longer there to wear the engagement ring, he had just made of straw.She
had always been a devoted striker at the front line, now where has she
been. . to whom will the wind chime be given in the shared dream ?
And then, a farewell letter came on Valentines Day:A thousand young men have been attending ThuDucCollege.They know a lot of things and also know how to keep their mouth shut.. wisely.When we rushed out of the factory for a strike; you are nowhere to be seen.Is it fear? Is it selfish? It has taken the bravery away from you ?You already chose to stay away of our struggle against inequality and oppression.Big words and iron speeches do not make a real man out of you.Intellectuals, who dare not implement their knowledge in the real life, are no better than bookworms.
Fire is burning wildly out there, while you are still debating in your
own ivory tower on advantages and disadvantages of strikes, which have
been ignited by the workers like me.Worthy or not, when fighting against brutality and exploitation, couldnt be a facet for you to hide from your own conscience.The destiny of the country, as a whole, has been laid in the hands of each and every individual of its citizens.We, workers, have given our own hands, why didnt you ?Is bravery calibrated differently for different classes in the society ?
The wind chime sings only when the wind blows, the wind chime will shut off its songs in the enclosed darkness.Our love had been challenged throughout the strike at Linh Trung and had been shut into the enclosed darkness.
Hopefully,
on one beautiful day, you will hang the wind chime at the gable of the
dream house, so that it can cheerfully sings its songs.Forget-it-not!!!
There is nothing to be shameful for even if Democracy is to be established tomorrow in Vietnam.Democratic Fighters have been ardently fighting and firmly determined in their noble cause to democratize this country.Only reluctance and cowardly attitudes are deserving of blame!!
Written on Valentines Day, 2006 in Saigon
References:
Lao Dong Magazine, Volume 38, 02/08/2006.
In
addition, there are other strikes which were involved by 130 workers of
A Chau Food Processing Company at Thuan An and Binh Duong, and 1200
workers of Gia Hiep Shoe Company at Duc Hoa Dong Prefecture, Duc Hue,
Long An.In January 2006, there were totally 57
strikes nationwide (compared to 9 in January 2005), among which 49
strikes were happened at the FDI companies.
On February 17, 2006, a strike at Sao Vang (Yellow Star) Company had attracted 5,000 workers.
The total business expenses were calculated for 2006 production planning, which was based on customers orders in 2005.The salary and wage increases for retailed production (produced at home) for 2006 are much less than 40%.Among which the average increase for the textile factory is only 10 15%.
Due
to the differences in business expenses, the attracted FDIs in the last
5 years have been varied significantly from one area to the others:
-Red River Delta:$ US 3.5 billions 20%
-Northern Central VN and Coastal Zones:$ US 3,5 billions 20%
-Eastern South VN and Mekong Delta:$ US 11.1 billions 65%
Lao Dong Magazine, Volume 38, 02/08/2006.
According to the latest reports, there are more than 19,000 government owned automobiles nationwide.In the 2002-2003 timeframe alone, there are newly bought 6,000 automobiles which exceed the projected number of 4,000.According to Nguyen Sinh Hung, Minister of Finances, the beach of Red River is not large enough to park all of the automobiles which exceed the projected number.Purchasing government owned automobiles at higher bracket price is another issue.One of official leaders in Hanoi is using a car, which is worth more than 3.000 buffalos.Totally, trillion piasters have wasted on government owned automobiles.
Khi Chenh Lech Giau Ngheo Gia Tang, Ngoc Minh, Thanh Nien Electronic Magazine, February, 11, 2006.The income ratios of the rich and the poor are listed as following:1990:4.1; 1991:4.2; 1993:6.2; 1994:6.5; 1995:7.0; 1999:7.6; 2002 to 2004:8.1
Translators footnote.
The International Labour Conference on 12/16/1966 and lately endorsed by Vietnam on 9/24/1982 has cited that: 1.
Recalls, (a) that in freely joining the ILO, all Members have endorsed
the principles and rights set out in its Constitution and in the
Declaration of Philadelphia, and have undertaken to work towards
attaining the overall objectives of the Organization to the best of
their resources and fully in line with their specific circumstances; in which one of the fundamental principles and rights is the right to Strike.
Vietnams Labor Laws, Article 80.- Grounds for recognizing a strike lawful or declaring a strike unlawful:A strike shall be lawful when it meets the following conditions:
It arises from a collective labor dispute and within the scope of the labor relation;
It is staged by employees of an enterprise within that enterprise;
The
involved labor collective disagrees with the decision of the provincial
Labor Arbitration Council of the respective province but does not want
to file a lawsuit to request the Court to solve the case;
While
the Labor Reconciliation Council or the Labor Arbitration Council is
settling the labor dispute, neither party to the dispute is allowed to
take unilateral action against the other.
United
Worker-Farmers Organization of Vietnam, lead by the workers and farmers
in their thirties, has released its official announcement on October
30, 2006 calling on all international heads-of-state and the
international community who hold dear the values of Liberty, Democracy
and Respect for Human Rights, to state their support for cause of
workers-farmers-rights and we ask that they seriously support the
Vietnamese people at home and abroad in the fight for peoples
unalienable rights in Vietnam.Latest news announced on 11/22/2006 by the Peoples Democratic Party, Ha Noi arrested several members of the United Workers-Farmers Organization (UWFO) of Viet Nam.Among them are Nguyen Tan Hoanh, Doan Huy Chuong and Nguyen Thi Le Hong, the 3 leaders of UWFO.The other leader, Nguyen Thi Tuyet, is still on the run.
---------
Note:
Mr. Huynh Viet Lang aka Huynh Nguyen Dao, 38 years old, central
committee member of the People's Democratic Party, was arrested on Aug.
15, 2006 in Saigon, currently detained in prison 4 Phan Dang Luu,
SaiGon Viet Nam. The Ha Noi Government has denied Lang's rights to see
his family and lawyer.
The Situation of anti-government political views in Viet Nam
The Situation of Dissidents Political Views in Vietnam
By Huynh Viet Lang PDPs Central Committee Member
(Translated by Thuy Tu)
The struggle to peacefully overthrow an entrenched totalitarian regime cannot be carry out by grass-roots revolutionary movement.Rather an organized and well-supported task force is vital in order to achieve the ultimate goal of a democratic political assembly.Just as a skilled labor force is the key to a successful competitive economy, so to be talent a well-organized revolutionary movement in deciding the success or failure of democratic revolution.
At present, we must look at Viet Nam's needs on two fronts.First, a complete systematic analysis of what is needed in order to implement democracy must be performed.Second,a concise strategy must be developed in order to peacefully change Viet Nam's present political climate.Fighting for Viet Nam's political freedom is a political fight of which must be done from the outside in.
The scope of this article will discuss the general situation of democratic trend in our nation.For the security reason, I will discuss, only in general terms, matters relating to any particular political assembly (a party, a club or a group) in the country.
The real situation of theunderground democratic movement inside Vietnam is not entirely known to the overseas Vietnamese community.Partly because of alliances between the national and international movements have not been thoroughly developed.And partly because past attempts have resulted in the exposure of underground national forces during the 1980s and consequently causing series of captures and arrests that originated directly from relationships with overseas personnel.It appears that the overseas' organizations did not take adequate precautions in screening of their staff which resulted in the infiltration of communist sympathizers.An example would be the case of secret agent Dang My Dung (Yungthe XXI c Krall) that was revealed by CIA and FBI on October 1978.This lead to the repatriation of Dang Ba Thi, Vietnamese U.N. ambassador. Thi helped organize the beginnings of the network of VCP spies in the U.S.What followed was thirty years of silent infiltration.Vietnamese communist spies began coming to the U.S. just before and after 1975.The next wave of penetration was in 1978 when Chinese people living in Vietnam were forced to leave that country.The last wave of infiltration occurred during the U.S.' Orderly Departure Program (ODP).As a result, the overseas anti-dictatorship battlefront in Western Europe and North America was exposed by Vietnamese communist spied network.Consequently, it is understandable why the democratic movement inside Vietnam is very careful when communicating abroad and are hesitant to form alliances with its international compatriots.
The democratic grass-roots revolutionary movement inside Vietnam is a multi-faceted well developed organization, which is capable of bringing many otherwise separate factions.Based on certain code of conduct, many groups have joined together to form a united front in order to reach their ultimate goal: to overthrow the dictatorship of the Communist party.What was once an armed struggle is now replaced by non-violent revolutionary movement.
Of course each groups perception is distinctly their own.However, it is wrong to think that national Vietnamese democratic movement is the sole voice against the Vietnamese Communist Regime.In reality, all people who love Vietnam, working either individually or collectively, are striving for democracy as the ultimate solution to liberate Vietnam from communist oppression.
In this present struggle for democracy, the true battle is fought not in the streets, but in the minds of the Vietnamese people.The struggle lies in showing the Vietnamese people the true cost of communist oppression.The facts that the intensive development of many Southeast Asian as well as some other Asian nations, which result from a workforce armed with end-of-20th centurys technological skill, is a proof for this assumption.Information technology has shortened the differences concerning the pace of expansion between Europe-America and Asia, not only in economics but also in politics and workmanship of revolutionary movement.
I. The Beating Of The Gong
The advent of an organized anti-governmental political organization is a relatively new phenomenon.Always, there have been people who were for democracy and opposed to the state government's political views. The democratic warriors reflect the entire range of Vietnamese citizens, from the rural farmer who lives in a village who speaks a native dialect to the urban dweller who rides his knowxich lo (a man-powered vehicle which demands tremendous work).The goal of democracy transcends class and place.
Even now, patriots inside the Vietnam are broadcasting their presence in a unified voice to all corners of the globe and letting the world know that: We, who love democracy, are here!!Vietnamese as well as all democratic peoples have most certainly heard this call and are coming together to create a common front against the Governments communist ideology.However, in our efforts to peacefully changing Vietnams political landscape, certain innate problems must be addressed.
Before marching together with fellow citizens to raise yellow, red or orange flags in a grand parade national wide, the official appearance of these democratic patriots will replace the role of the flags.
Except for a handful of individuals, most of the people in the nation today who love democracy have never been trained by any institution to become politicians.Entering into the revolution movement, they are equipped by nothing but a heartily patriotism and firm belief in democracy.
The following story will help us to further understanding the democratic warriors in the nation:
In 1789, the French National Parliament, representing the public's wishes, sent a proclamation of human rights to the King of France.The public's demands were disregarded while VersaillesPalace continued to hold its lavish and debaucherous banquets. This angered and infuriated the public.Standing up in opposition, the eloquent speaker Danton publicly berated and criticized the Kings conduct.He said that the people do not have enough to eat because of the king.Making a comment on the Kings girth, Danton went on to say that maybe the king should be butchered so that way people would not be hungry any more.The crowd listened passionately to Danton.Suddenly, a lady stepped out from amongst the crowd.While beating a gong, she shouted out loud while beating the gong: RETURN THE BREAD TO US!!! Several other ladies followed her. The crowd energetically followed the ladies.It was said that if the French lady had not beat the gong on that day, then history would never know of the first declaration of human rights.Symbolism such as the beating of the gong is important in inspiring the people.No matter how fervent and passionate Dantons speech may have been that day, it would have been forgotten had not the beating of the gong been there to commemorate the moment.
Therefore, in attempting to identify leaders of democratic movements is not difficult.Leaders naturally pushed forward both their actions andby their fellow compatriots.Their actions reflect a person who dares to take responsibility rather than as a leader holding on power.These leaders of democracy embrace every hot or cold breath of their fellow citizens under their skin and their stomachs and use it to motivate them.Another definable characteristic of democratic fighters is that they sacrifice their time and effort all for the hope of creating a better place for their family.
In developing a democratic movement, it is important to look at other models that have succeeded. Due to censorship in Vietnam, it is difficult to fully study the methods applied in the revolutionary movements in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.However, democratic ideas and information is coming in and they are being conveyed to a quiet public.The general idea of silent majority is no longer accurate in Vietnam.While these quiet masses seldomraise their voice, they still listen, read and think.Indeed, within this silent majority is a network of supporters that create a neural system which recognizes social changes and disseminates these signals outward like an echo.
Ii. The Dispersion Of Personnel And Organization
In order to effectively defend against the daily tools of ideological suppression, i.e., PA 25 (bureau of literature security) and PC35 (bureau of intelligence), there must be a persistent pressure on the political structure at all departmental levels.At present, the security force comprises 70% of Vietnams governmental body.
At the conclusion of the Vietnam Communist Partys 12th Central Convention any hopes for democratic changes within the dictatorial communist structure had all but vanished.The common citizens patience concerning governmental bureaucracy and corruption had reached its limit.What remained was an energized and anxious society yearning for the winds of democracy to come in.Within this motivated society is where democracys true strength lies.Indeed, it is the peoples hearts that is the best fortress to protect revolutionary democratic activities.Relying on the supports of citizens as well as the warrior spirits of our forefathers, the freedom fighters of this democratic revolution that led to the public uprising in the summer 1997 at Thai Binh and on the right fork ofHong river.It is also this same support that keeps them secreted away from the communists to this very day.This is a classic example of the symbiotic cooperation between the democratic front and civilized society in Vietnam.
In analyzing the democratic movement in Vietnam, one must understand the governmental system in power.A step-by-step analysis must be made regarding the most effective means of political confronting the VCP.The democratic movement must realize and plan against any counter-attacks by the VCP.Already, intelligence experts within the communist security agencies have by overt means identified the specific-goals of many rebel groups.However, with carefully planning and strategic maneuvering, it will be almost impossible for the13 members of political bureau of VCP to predict and to prevent all tactics and movements of the democratic revolution. These strategic approaches had been successfully justified and used in Kyrgyzstan and would likely prove successful in Vietnam as well.When citizens rights and values are not honored by the authoritarian regime, the formation of democratic forces based on decentralized structure is necessary.
On the other hand, what happened in Eastern Europe might not happen in Vietnam, as Vietnams situation is more similar to the Central Asian countries than the other parts of the world.The Chinese democratic movement after the Tiananmen Square demonstration, for example, lends valuable insight to Vietnams democratization efforts.It is essential for those who are fighting for democracy in Vietnam today to have subjective points of view of the political and social as a whole.The democratic movement will be successful in VN only if it can carry out in a manner specific to Vietnam own characteristics and needs. Although insightful, any duplication of the democratic movement in other countries without theses considerations will prove to be a failure.So too is underestimating the VCPs capabilities which if done will make all the sacrifices made thus far to be for nothing.
Social Activities of the Democratic Movement.
Since late 1996 to early 1997, there were 8 boycotts, generated by Saigon workers, range in from the small scale strike of 150 taxi cab drivers to larger scale movements of 800 workers at theKhanh Hoi clothing factory and 1000 workers at the Tan thuan export manufacturing company.Boycotts have spread so widely that Colonel Huynh Hanh had to admit, the boycotts had been directed by the former resistance force (former VCP cadres)
Since it does not fully describe all activities currently being carried out by the democratic fighters, the term anti-government political views is no longer suitable for the democratic movement in todays Vietnam.The activities for democracy are not limited to political proposals to the VN government; rather they more frequently involve demands for human rights. Since unions are the orbital organizations of the VCP, they are not a workers representative body and consequently, do not reflect the workers issues or needs.Rather the aforementioned boycotts are generated and lead by responsible workers, who act as the leaders for the true benefit of their fellow workers.By their actions, they are undeclared democracy activists.However, one should realize that the success of a boycott is not in the hand the leader only, but also the workers themselves.Armed with their devotion and willingness to sacrifice,the workers risk their daily bread and butter for equality and justice.These brave workers, these common citizens, stood against the immoral legal system created by the Vietnam Communist government and imposed on its own people.
Undeclared Status and Pluralism in Political Point of Views.
The nature of the Vietnams present day struggle is the result of the conflict between the elite minority VCP Party (the high ranking VCPs cadres and CVN government members) and the mass of common citizens.The collapse of the VCP domination is inevitable.In the interim, one of the essential goals of the democratic movement must be self-protection.If exposed and destroyed, the VCPs collapse will come later than sooner.To publicize the movements goals, activities and members at the present time would benefit only the VCP.
At this point in time, the struggle for democracy has not yet reached the parliamentary level therefore to publicize the status of members and their activities are unjustified and would serve no purpose.This self- protecting strategy is necessary in facing the totalitarian regime, which is not voted for by its citizens and is holding on to its power by brutal means, police, underground agents and prisons.There is no opportunity for independent thought and points of views to be expressed.As such, in the face of such unfertile soil, it is important to save the seeds of democratic movement for a more suitable condition.
However, the democratization progress does not include a wait and see attitude. It calls for tremendous efforts all the time.The success of the democratic movement against the totalitarian government must be based on its actions and not on unrealistic propaganda.Within the Vietnam political environment, it is important to understand that boycotting is not a violent act.America, through the decades, has used the same method to peaceful change the face of the country.Boycotting is a peaceful act of fighting for democracy; it is nothing more than another form of political warfare.Therefore, when initiating and generating a boycott, the democratic revolution is officially declaring, in no uncertain terms, political war against the VCP and communist government.Having set the wheels in motion, there can be no retreat, no surrender.
At last, the ultimate goal of the democratic movement is to establish a pluralistic political environment.Therefore, the existence of different political ideas within the common ground of pluralism is a matter of course.The only reason to suppress these different ideals is to create a totalitarian government.
In writing this paper, the author would like to share his point of view from within Vietnam in hoping that we all can contribute effectively to the success of the democratic movement as a whole.Of course, confronting an organized totalitarian regime is not easy task, especially when performed by a grass-roots democratic movement.Preparing and motivating members with political sensitivity and a high capability for furthering the democratic movement, etc., is essential for its ultimate success.As the technical skill and knowledge of workers are competitive advantages in today global competition, so too is the political sensitivity and knowledge of democratic freedom fighters are fundamental requirements for the success of the democratic revolution.
Saigon, July 26, 2005.
According to BBC and RFA news on January 22 and October 02, 2003, Wang Bingzhang, an American resident and democracy activist, was arrested by Chinese secret agency in Vietnam in July 2002 and sentenced for life.
Since June 2005, all boycotts that have occurred have been deemed illegal according to Communism VietnamsLabor Laws, acts 173, 174, and 178.All workers found to have boycotted are subjected to be layoff and prosecution.
References:
Political Changes in Vietnam: In search of the middle class challenge to the state, Asian Survey, 2002, Martin Gainsborough.
Dieu Kien Hinh Thanh Chinh The Dan Chu tai VietNamand Quyen Vi Chinh , 2004 and 2004, Viet Bao Pham Van Ban
Thu Phan Doan Cho Mot Lo Trinh Dan Chu Hoa Nuoc Nha, March 2005, Van Viet Ha
Dan Chu Hoa Viet Nam Hien Thuc va Kha Nang, Spring 2004, Le Tung Minh.
Tieu Luan so 1:Bay Han Che Lon cua Bat Dong Chinh Kien o Viet Nam, July 2005, Lam Yen.
Its time to stand strong and see the true face of the VCP
Its time to stand strong and see the true face of the VCP's brutal authority.
By Nguyen Hoang Long- PDP's Central Committee Member
(Translated by Thuy Tu)
With over half century having passed since the Vietnam Communist Party (VCP) forcefully imposed its communist regime onto our country, Viet Nam has become a poor and underdeveloped nation. Under the VCP's regime, the Vietnamese people have endured more poverty, suffering and insecurity than ever before.
Without the promise of democracy and freedom anywhere on the horizon, Viet Nam is left wholly underdeveloped and at risk of social destruction. The absolute rule exercised by the VCP's ruling party is the sole cause of this downward spiral.
The saying that "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely," holds all too true under the VCP's regime.
Fraud, corruption and conversion of public assets for personal gain by the VCP have denied Viet Nam of its legacy. With every day that passes, Government officials find ways to enlarge their own coffers at the expense of the common family. Hundreds of VCP members have directly participated in crimes such as corruption, influence peddling, bribery, and theft not to mention more heinous crimes like rape, violence and murder As a consequence, Vietnamese society has sadly become even more deteriorated with each passing year.
Where the vast majority of the Vietnamese people work hard every day at poverty level wages in order to survive, an elite minority class of red capitalist, who enjoy privileges granted to them by their governmental connections, live an extravagant and bourgeois lifestyle. The sign of any third world country is the great disparity between the rich and the poor without a defined middle class. Viet Nam is a classic example of this. Social classifications are inverted. The gap between rich and poor is escalating, and the inequity between each class leaves the Vietnam weaker as a whole. 95% of the Vietnam's population, which comprises of laborers, farmers, intellectuals, small-business men, youths, students lead an existence that is at or below the poverty level. They are forced to find other means in order to merely subsist. Some must go overseas to work as laborers, while others have to marry foreigners. This is such contrast to VCP members who are getting richer and richer off the backs of the common man.
Many former communist countries such as Soviet Union, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia and Romania have realized the futility of communism. Unfortunately for our nation, the leadership of Vietnam Communist Party still holds fast to its unrealistic doctrines as a way to mask their true dictatorial nature.
Using its suppressive governmental apparatus to completely take control of power, combined with its obscurant policy as well as instilling fear in its citizens, the VCP has a death-grip on Viet Nam. While the world trend is moving toward Freedom, Democracy, and Independence, the VCP Government is an archaic monolith that refuses to recognize its out-dated existence. It does not care about the future of its country and its own people.
In order to protect this single-party dictatorship, the VCP has implemented and fostered many illegitimate diplomatic and economic relationships. It has signed numerous treaties relating to territorial and oceanic boundaries that although beneficial to VCP members and their financial interests have proved disadvantageous for Viet Nam by losing lands left by our forefathers. If threatened by foreign enemy, the VCP will be unable to defend our country's sovereignty.
By fiercely applying obscurantism, preventing freedom of speech and publication, and having absolute control of the mass media for over the past half century, the VCP has forced the nation into ignorance, isolation and underdevelopment in spite of the advanced development of economics and sciences occurring worldwide. Viet Nam today is far behind its neighboring Asian countries, such as South Korean, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia in the numerous areas, including public education, science and economy.
Relying on its brutal security apparatus, the VCP continuously threaten and suppress the voices of its opponents. Many of our country s social reformists, those who dare to raise their voice to fight for human rights, democracy, freedom of speech and religion, such as Dr. Pham Hong Son, Journalist Nguyen Vu Binh, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Giang, Novelist Duong Thu Huong, Novelist Hoang Tien, Father Chan Tin, Minister Nguyen Hong Quang, Father Nguyen Van Ly, Veteran Party members Pham Que Duong, Nguyen Khac Toan, Tran Dung Tien, Le Chi Quang, Hoang Minh Chinh, Vu Cao Quan, Professor Tran Khue, Dr. Ha Si Phu, Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, Most Ven. Thich Quang Do, Ven. Thich Huyen Quang, Ven. Thich Thien Minh, Poet Bui Minh Quoc, Professor Nguyen Dinh Huy, Engineer Do Nam Hai, Professor Nguyen Chinh Ket, Lawyer Nguyen Van Dai have been falsely accused as spies and either arrested, held under house arrest or indefinitely kept under strict surveillance and at risk of being threatened day or night.
Totalitarian dictatorship is nothing more than another face of slavery that, if not stopped, will destroy the Vietnamese people for generations to come. Now is the time for us draw a line and make our stand. The destiny of our country and our people cannot be left in the hands of the VCP. Its time to stand strong and see the true face of the VCP's brutal authority.
By any and all means, and at any price, we must be determined to fight for our nation in order to give it back to the common family. For the future of our country and our people, let us extend our helping hands; let us be part of the Peoples Democratic Party and fight for the objectives stated in the PDP Proclamation. This Proclamation, which was declared on 6/15/2005, includes the following 9 plans of action:
1. Use all means, public or underground, to mobilize our compatriots to get involved in the struggle for Freedom, Democracy, Justice and Prosperity, in the spirit of Nonviolence.
2. Struggle for the immediate release of all political prisoners.
3. Struggle for the Freedom of _Expression, the Freedom of Press, the Freedom of Association, the Freedom of Religion. The immediate objective is to constitute a front of opposition aiming to end the delinquency of power.
4. Struggle to defend the independence of the fatherland, to preserve the territorial integrity of the country.
5. Struggle to demand improvement and security in social life, especially for the underprivileged classes.
6. Struggle for the right of every citizen to participate in political life in an official manner and without discrimination.
7. Depend on the force of the people and international support, in order to organize free elections to choose fair representation. Organize a referendum so that the people can express their views in the choice of political system.
8. Struggle for equality of each citizen, without any consideration of origin, breed, class or opinion, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the Citizen.
9. Struggle for a change of Constitution and Laws to represent the real wishes of the people to bring Vietnam towards a State of democracy and justice.
A lone tree is not thicker than a bush,
Three unified trees can make a forest.
Let pray our forefathers helping us to strengthen our beliefs for overcoming differences and difficulties.
Let us stand firmly to crush the rock underneath.
Let hope for Vietnam to soon achieve Freedom, Democracy, Equality and Prosperity.
____________________________________________________
To: Amnesty International Committee to Protect Journalists Reporters Without Borders Human Rights Watch Freedom Now All Concerned with Human Rights in Viet Nam
RE: Denounce
Unlawful Arrest and Imprisonment Eight Members of The Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP). Two Released and Six Incarcerated. Many Prisoners of Conscience and Political Prisoners Are Illegally Being Imprisoned
Vietnamese authorities in recent months have unlawfully arrested and
detained pro-democracy and human-rights activists in Vietnam.
The recent arrest of eight members of the PDP, detained on or around August of 2006, is an illegal act. With the pressure from the Vietnamese community around the world,
the foreign diplomats and the hard work of international bodies
(Reporters Without Borders, Committee to Protect Journalists, Human
Rights Watch, US Congressional Members and diplomats, Freedom Now, Non
Governmental Organizations and other agencies), two out of eight
members have been released while the remaining six are being held in
two detention facilities: Saigon and Tien Giang province. They
are imprisoned merely for expressing their democratic views online.
Contrary to the claims of the Vietnamese authorities, none of them is a
terrorist or criminal.
With
this groundless, unlawful conduct by the Vietnamese authorities, the
PDP is bringing this matter to the international communitys attention
and to the US government in particular, to call for their help to bring
an end to illegal acts by the Vietnamese government with the following
points:
1.
Denounce Vietnams authorities for the illegal arrest of Mr. Tran Van
Hoa, a Vietnamese national, and his detainment in Quang Ninh province,
Hanoi for his membership with the PDP. During his detention, the
interrogators tried to coerce Mr. Hoa to admit that the PDP is a group
that engages in terrorist activities. Mr. Hoa denied this baseless
accusation and the authorities were finally forced to release him after
thirteen days. His release on 03 October is in part a result of growing
disapproval of public opinion and pressure from international bodies.
2.
Call on Hanoi for the immediate release of six members of the PDP: Dr.
Le Nguyen Sang, Journalist Huynh Nguyen Dao, Mr. Le Trung Hieu, three
other unidentifiable members and many prisoners of conscience and
political prisoners such as Nguyen Vu Binh, Pham Ba Hai, Truong Quoc Huy, Vu Hoang Hai, Foshee Thuong "Cuc" as proof that Hanoi has respect for human rights.
3. Call on the President of the United States, George W. Bush to take
interest on the issue of human rights in Vietnam, especially on the
freedoms of expression which includes the rights to freedom of speech,
press, assembly and to petition the government for a redress of
grievances, etc. These fundamental democratic values are rights for
which the US has always advocated. Therefore, we ask that President
George W. Bush not disregard these issues on his coming trip to Viet
Nam.
4.
Call upon the US Congress and the Bush Administration to hold off on
granting Hanoi Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status since
they continue to harass many pro-democracy and human-rights activists,
case in point: the arrest and imprisonment of Cong Thanh Do, a US
citizen, last month and many members of the PDP. They are such
non-violent democrats.
The People's Democratic Party calls for your attention and consideration on these urgent matters thus stated in this letter.
We have the honor to introduce to you the manifesto of the The Peoples Democratic Party
Dear compatriots,
We can no longer keep silent
We can no longer be subjective
We can no longer leave the destiny of the country in the hands of the corrupt, the dictators, and the traitors
Long live for a free Vietnam
Long live for a democratic Vietnam
We shall win
Nguyen Hoang Long
Central committee member
Viet Nam on June 15th, 2005
The Peoples Democratic Party
Dear compatriots,
The Vietnamese people are facing a vital choice:
To continue living under the yoke of dictatorship in a poor and outdated country or;
To raise themselves up to overturn dictatorship, give the power of decision to the people, and mobilize all lifes blood of the nation to rebuild the country.
The Ha Noi dictatorship is the main force pulling our country into regression, causing The Vietnamese people to live in poverty. In order to live a better life, to have freedom and democracy for all, We, The People have to stand up.
At the beginning of the XXth century, after the failure of the scholars, the patriots of all backgrounds, gathered in a fight against the colonialists for the freedom and independence of their country. Communists and non-communists alike had fallen for fatherland. The revolution of August, 1945 - a well-known victory is contributed to the sacrifice of all the People. The Communist Party, who considered itself to be the main artisan of this win, took over power, and then eliminated all other political parties, and slaughtered patriots who did not belong to the Party.
The Communist Party so betrayed the people: by carrying on a repressive policy.
Dear compatriots,
After the win of Dien Bien Phu, half of the country had fallen in the hands of the Communist Party. Putting its own interests above those of the nation, the Communist Party used all techniques to transform our country into an outpost of Socialism, in the conspiracy of collectivization of the whole world.
All fundamental rights of the citizen are now forbidden.
Inhumane techniques, opposite to the respect for mankind and nature plunged the people into extreme suffering.
At the beginning of the fifties, under pretexts of agricultural reforms, massacres of dozens of thousands of innocent people had occurred all over the North. The Communist Party had not only executed patriots and farmers but also perpetrated and destroyed the traditional foundations of the Vietnamese village.
The Communist Party triggered a fratricidal war; causing the deaths of one million citizens of the North as well as in the South. Viet Nam had become a testing field, of arms for both communist and capitalist systems.
The war between Vietnamese was ended; the Communist Party ruled the country under dictatorial regime. The fundamental rights of the citizen had beentrampled, and otherwise confiscated. Instead of gathering the people for the reconstruction of the country, the Communist Party organized a machiavellian revenge; thousands of officials of the South Vietnamese government were locked up in camps of re-education, which were in fact concentration camps of thefascist type.
No longer able to support their fate, a million persons preferred risking death, rape, and torment by pirates rather than living under a communist regime. The drama of the "boat people" is engraved in the history of humanity as an indelible stain.
Marxist economy transformed the prosperous lands of the lowland of the Mekong into a poor region and ruined the city of Saigon which was once called The pearl of the Far East.
In 1978, using the genocidal Red Khmer as a national threat to the people of Campuchia, The Communist Party sent its army to occupy Campuchia. The real ambition was to transform the three countries, Vietnam, Laos and Campuchia, into a communist Indochinese confederation. Dozens of thousands of young Vietnamese lost their lives or were disabled in this war.
The occupation of Campuchia over the course of ten years created a deep hatred in the hearts of the people of Campuchia. The Vietnamese people at this time also suffered the consequences of an international embargo. A misery added to the miseries caused by Marxist economy.
Under the communist yoke, the number of prisons grew continuously. Of the time of French colonization, there were less than ten prisons in all Indochina. Today every city has one or two prisons. The camps of "re-education" did not wait for communism to win in South Vietnam; they have existed since 1961. Intellectuals and artists of the "Nhan Van Giai Pham" movement or The Revisionists were locked up behind bars without any trials.
By 1986, the economy of the country reached the edge of a chasm; the communist system was on the point of breaking up. The Party rushed to an "open and change policy, leading the country to a free market with socialist orientation. In fact this is an economic system of a Capitalist dictatorship.
Corruption became a system of government. The leaders of the Communist Party and their family accumulated colossal sums, with bank accounts abroad. Corruption destroys the moral stocks of society.
This economic opening allowed the inhabitants of big cities to work. Their life improved. But the peasants did not come out of misery. Social injustice multiplies from day to day.
Voices, those of the intellectuals, monks, and veterans of the Party rose against the dictatorship and asked for change in the country. The Party turned a deaf ear, silencing them with imprisonment. Still today, these citizens of great uprightness, of high moral quality and intellect are still in communist prisons.
In regards to foreign policy, the Communist Party did not dare to protest when Vietnamese citizens were slaughtered by the Chinese army. Under the pressure of China and to consolidate its absolute dictatorship, the Party signed disadvantageous treaties of borders for Vietnam, losing lands left by our forefathers.
In 1974, the Party had shown themselves to be uninterested in the Republic of Vietnams (South) call for solidarity to defend the archipelago of Hoang Sa (Paracels) against Chinese aggression. Pham Van Dong, communist Prime Minister, even recognized Chinese provisions, thereby officially losing the archipelago Hoang Sa. These islands are of great strategic and economic importance for Viet Nam.
While Eastern Europe acknowledged the failure of the communist system and abandoned it, Ha Noi continues to hang on to an ideal of communism, hiding its deep nature of authoritarian dictatorship.
Communism is a road laid with the blood and tears of the Vietnamese people.
Today, everybody acknowledges that absolute dictatorship rots power
Dictatorship generates corruption, injustice and social riot
Dictatorship forces regression in the country
Dear compatriots,
The Communist Party will keep power through its system of extreme ruthlessness combined with the fear of the citizens. But the shout for the Freedom of thousands of citizens will dispel these shades of fear. By lending a hand for Democracy, millions of citizens can create the force which will throw the people towards the way of Freedom.
It's high time for the patriots to stand up, to fight social injustice, with courage, to ruin the regime of rotten dictatorship, to construct a new epoch, an epoch of Freedom, Democracy, Justice and Prosperity.
The Peoples Democratic Party was born to answer this aspiration of history.
The transition between the management of the country by dictatorship to a democratic management will be progressively led, ensuring the security of opportunity and guaranteeing the lawful heritage of each, avoiding any social chaos.
The Peoples Democratic Party sincerely aims to work with other parties and organizations in our common battle: to eliminate the regime of dictatorship; to construct a democratic and free society in the spirit of responsibility and solidarity.
The Peoples Democratic Party solemnly proclaims the following plan of actions:
1. Use all means, public or underground, to mobilize our compatriots to get involved in the struggle for Freedom, Democracy, Justice and Prosperity, in the spirit of Nonviolence.
2. Struggle for the immediate release of all political prisoners.
3. Struggle for the Freedom of Expression, the Freedom of Press, the Freedom of Association, the Freedom of Religion. The immediate objective is to constitute a front of opposition aiming to end the delinquency of power.
4. Struggle to defend the independence of the fatherland, to preserve the territorial integrity of the country.
5. Struggle to demand improvement and security in social life, especially for the underprivileged classes.
6. Struggle for the right of every citizen to participate in political life in an official manner and without discrimination.
7. Depend on the force of the people and international support, in order to organize free elections to choose fair representation. Organize a referendum so that the people can express their views in the choice of political system.
8. Struggle for equality of each citizen, without any consideration of origin, breed, class or opinion, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the Citizen.
9. Struggle for a change of Constitution and Laws to represent the real wishes of the people to bring Vietnam towards a State of democracy and justice.
Please help us to distribute this manifesto. Please come and join us together we can eliminate the dictatorship and rebuild democracy for Viet Nam.
1- SaiGon: March 17. 2006 - Demonstrations in Sai Gon (aka HCM city):
Friday afternoon, 2006/03/17, in front of the city municipal building there was a noisy demonstration with about a hundred people attended. A majority is women and college students who held a slogan:
Demand Mr. Dua must keep the promise
Appeal city officials must operate according to the law
(Picture - Demonstration in Saigon - PDP's Express News)
The demonstration started around 1pm and lasted till 4pm before people dispersed. Police from various agencies were instructed to quell and to suppress in an attempt to prevent bystander trying to approach a demonstration scene. Police closed off at the intersection of Le Thanh Ton and Dong Khoi avenues, security units blockaded in front of the city municipal building nearby the Rex hotel, prohibit anyone approach the scene, photograph or just stop to observe.
The name Mr. Dua that appeared on the slogan is perhaps Mr. Nguyen Van Dua, a deputy mayor of the city, who is in charge of Land Reform policy. Land that owns by people has been confiscated illegally by the corrupted officials of the Vietnamese Communist Government (VCG). According to Express News, these demonstrators are campaigning for their own lands that have been seized illegally by these corrupted city officials.
Saigoners acknowledged this incident is a large-scale demonstration occurred for the first time ever, even though with a crowd not significant in number. The intensity and determination from the will of people shall set its course for effective demonstrations in the days to come. The demonstration however seems to be well organized and certainly in the near future there would be many demonstrations gradually occur in a larger scale.
This type of demonstrations will start to occur not only in front of the city municipal building but surely and widely shall happen everywhere on the streets, in the alleys, at every corner in Sai Gon.
2. SaiGon: March 15, 2006 - Workers On Strike: On morning of 15 March, more than 60 workers of Thoi Trang textile factory, Binh Thanh district, has staged a demonstration in front of the factory to fight for a wage increase. On 23 February the company issued an announcement for temporarily stop operations; until 25 February all 200 workers was stop working without any explanation from the company. In a similar matter, 140 workers at HaiMin factory (Ba Diem village, Hoc Mon) is also dealing with overdue wages. A majority of workers is still having not received paycheck of November and December, 2005. In many recent years, company did not pay unemployment insurance even though still periodically deduct mandatory fee from workers? paycheck. At present, the board of directors seems to give a signal of run away or closing out the factory. In the mean time, all operations equipment of HaiMin factory (estimate the value worth of US$832,000.00) is belong to a Kexim VN company. Life of workers here is very difficult, many of whom have to borrow loan with high interest rate to try to survive or just staying above the water in this difficult time.
3. Soc Trang: 14 March - About 500 seafood workers Thai Tan did not agree to come to work. This is a first workers strike in this area Soc Trang. Workers's salaries here have been deducted frequently. The reason of the frequent deduction, as claimed by management of the company, is to pay for new workers. Company pays monthly wages to workers VND 4,200 /hr/shift (50 US cents), previous wages VND 4,700 /hr/shift however. A monthly wage for March was reduced to VND 3,000 /hr/shift. Since Tet (Vietnamese New Year), workers constantly and continuously have to work more shifts especially in three continuous graveyard shifts.
4. Dong Nai: 13 March - On morning 13 March, workers at a shoe factory Pou Chen (Hoa An province, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai) stage a strike. Workers from all four shifts agreed to stop working. This unity in agreement to strike from a large group has exceeded the strike of 18,000 workers from Freetrend (KCX Linh Trung I, Thu Duc, Sai Gon) on 28 March 2005. The campaign to strike to protect the workers' rights at Pou Chen signifies a new kind of workers strike in the history of Viet Nam with a large participants of 23,000.
Reasons for Strike:
Company does not recognize the rights of knowledge workers. Moreover, company does not want to follow the rule of international and globalization workers? law of contract and operations.
Unclear in the rule of promotion, strict in dealing with workers? rights.
Did not honor the policy of Nike Company which is operated all over the world, rather than want to use its own rule to the Vietnamese workers who work at these shoe factories.
5. Hai Phong On Strike - At a footwear factory Sao Vang (Hai Phong), after five days of strike (16 -22 February 2006) from 6,000 workers, the productivity of products has dropped to 100,000 pairs of shoe, amount to VND 32 billion (US$2 million). On morning 13 March, workers of TNHH ILJO Company (a 100% South Korean-owned) at An Hung province, An Duong unanimously go on strike. The chief cause for the strike is to protest sexual abuse behavior from several top managers who regularly makes sexual advancement to female workers. Furthermore, striking workers also complained that they are working in or being exposed to increasingly dangerous conditions, without being provided with proper safety clothing and equipment.
6. My Tho, Tien Giang - "More Taxes, Stop Operations" - This is a content of an announcement at a shop on Nguyen Hue street at My Tho city posted on 03 January 2006. In 2005 these people have had to pay taxes, VMD1.9 million /month. This year, unable to afford paying tax, has petitioned for tax reduction. The Internal Revenue Service however did not accept the petition. Consequently these shop owners stopped business.
(Picture - "More Taxes, Stop Operations")
There is another shop with a daily average income nearly VND1.0 million, but has to pay taxes up to VND160,000. After thirty years operating in these types of business for living, for now she has to quit the business, not because of the business itself, rather than cannot afford to pay this kind of ridiculous taxes, the owner quipped with sadness. With very high taxes where the rate of taxes is set by the local, corrupted government officials - forced on business owners, the sign of More Taxes, Stop Operations, is a means for the business owners to voice their dissatisfaction in anguish to the city officials of My Tho that raising taxes will certainly hurt us, the business owners in general and the government as well.
Express News Viet Nam's Life
The People's Democracy Party
vnpdp@yahoo.com
----------------
The People's Democratic Party
01 January 2006
Reference: Release Translator Pham Van Viem
Amnesty International Committee to Protect Journalists Reporters Without Borders Human Rights Watch
Bulgaria Embassy Everyone Concerns about Human Rights in Viet Nam
Mr. Pham Van Viem was arrested by Vietnams secret agents on 23 October 1990 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Viem, a civil engineer, was the one who translated a book titled Fascism in Bulgarian into Vietnamese. In desperation concerning the book might be published, the Vietnamese authorities confiscated a translated draft version and arrested him at the residential complex where he resided in Sofia.
The book Fascism was written in Bulgarian in 1967 by Dr. Jeliu Jelev, a member of the Bulgaria Communist Party and was a retired professor at the LiteratureUniversity in Sofia, Bulgaria. Dr. Jeliu Jelev eventually became the first elected president by the people of Bulgaria after the revolution in East Europe.
The book exposed the essence of dictatorship of the fascist government, similar to the dictatorial regime of the communist government. Therefore a Vietnamese individual in Bulgaria dared to translate it into Vietnamese was deemed as unacceptable by the Vietnam government. That was the main cause for the tragic fate of Pham Van Viem. After his arrest, Viem escaped and lived in hiding in Bulgaria. Nevertheless for over seven years living in Bulgaria, in December 1997, he was arrested by Vietnams secret agents and brought to Vietnam. It has been almost nine years since the arrest: No one knows of his fate? Where he being held? Dead or alive?
Today, after a number of attempts, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has discovered Viem is still alive. From 1997 to present, he has been detained at zone B15 (administrating by an agency A24, a member of Bureau National Police). Zone B15 is situated in Kim Giang-Thanh Xuan district, Ha Noi which located behind Thang Long-Ha Noi cigarette manufacturer.
Vietnam always cited the respect for Human Rights, recently published a so called White book and affirmed the respect for all basics in Human Rights. However, the government has been detained an individual for over eight years without trial, completely forgotten simply the work of interpretation a book that made the regime unease.
To alert conscience of humanity regarding a tragic life of Mr. Pham Van Viem, who has been in detention simply for the work translation of a book exposing the crimes of the Fascist regime. The Peoples Democratic Party urgently would like to announce the case of Viem for prompt consideration. We call on organizations concerning the violation of Human Rights in Vietnam and ask for your action in bringing attention to Vietnams top officials with the immediate release of Mr. Pham Van Viem.
Nơi nhận: - Tổ chức Ân xá Quốc tế - Ủy Ban Bảo Vệ Ký Giả - Hội Ký Giả Không Biên Giới - Hội Quan Sát về Nhân Quyền
- Tòa Đại sứ Bungaria - Và những ai quan tâm về Nhân quyền tại Việt Nam
Về việc: Trả tự do cho dịch giả Phạm Văn Viêm
Dịch giả Phạm Văn Viêm đã bị mật vụ Hà Nội bắt đi ngày 23 tháng 10 năm 1990 tại Sophia, Bungaria. Anh Viêm, một kỷ sư xây dựng làm việc ở Bungaria là người đã dịch cuốn Chế Độ Phát-xít từ tiếng Bungaria ra Việt Ngữ. Lo sợ cuốn sách sẽ được xuất bản, Hà Nội đã tịch thu bản dịch và bắt anh Viêm ngay tại chung cư anh sống ở Sophia.
Cuốn Chế độ Phát xít nguyên bản tiếng Bungaria viết 1967 bởi Tiến sĩ Jeliu Jeliev, đảng viên đảng CS Bungaria và nguyên giáo sư giảng dạy tại trường Ðại học Văn hóa Sophia, Bungaria. Tiến sĩ Jeliu Jeliev đã trở thành vị Tổng thống dân cử đầu tiên của nước Bungaria sau cuộc cách mạng ở Đông Âu.
Cuốn sách vạch trần bản chất độc tài của nhà nước Phát-xít, cũng giống như chế độ độc tài của nhà nước Cộng sản. Vì vậy một người Việt Nam ở Bungaria dám chuyển ra Việt Ngữ đối với Hà Nôi không thể chấp nhận được. Đó là lý do chính dẫn đến số phận bi thảm của dịch giả Phạm Văn Viêm. Sau khi bị bắt, anh đã tìm cách trốn thoát và sống lén lút ở Bungaria. Tuy nhiên hơn 7 năm sống ở Bungaria, tháng 12 năm 1997, anh bị mật vụ Hà nội bắt và dẫn độ về Việt Nam. Từ đó đến nay đã gần 9 năm, không ai biết số phận anh Viêm? Anh bị giam ở đâu ? Sống chết ra sao ?
Hiện nay, sau nhiều lần truy tìm, Đảng Dân Chủ Nhân Dân đã phát hiện anh Phạm Văn Viêm vẫn còn sống, từ năm 1997 đến nay anh đã từng bị giam tại khu trại giam B15 (thuộc sự quản lý của Cục A24 - Bộ công an CSVN). Khu B15 nằm tại khu Kim Giang Thanh Xuân Hà Nội. (sau nhà máy thuốc lá Thăng Long Hà nội).
Hà nội luôn luôn tuyên bố tôn trọng nhân quyền, mới đây sách trắng về Nhân quyền cũng đã được chế độ công bố và khẳng quyết sự tôn trọng các quyền căn bản về nhân quyền, vậy mà chế độ đã giam giữ một người hơn 8 năm qua, không xét xử, hoàn toàn bị lãng quên chỉ vì chuyển dịch ra Việt ngữ một cuốn sách không vừa lòng chế độ.
Để đánh động lương tâm nhân loại về số phận bi thảm của dịch giả Phạm Văn Viêm, người đã bị tù đày chỉ vì chuyển ngữ một tác phẩm vạch trần tội ác của chế độ Phát xít. Đảng Dân chủ Nhân dân xin khẩn thông báo về trường hợp của dịch giả Phạm Văn Viêm. Chúng tôi mong mỏi các Tổ chức Nhân quyền Việt Nam và Quốc tế tiếp tay can thiệp, cùng đấu tranh đòi nhà cầm quyền Hà Nội phải trả lời với dư luận thế giới về trường hợp anh Pham Văn Viêm.
On behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party, we urgently call on you to maintain the CPC designation on Viet Nam till the religious situations have shown significant improvement.
In recent incident, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam security forces have cracked down several Hoa Hao Buddhist monks and followers. To protest these brutally actions, members of Hoa Hao Buddhist have committed self-immolation.
Ha Noi authorities have constantly violated the religious freedoms right. Many Vietnamese Christians have been forced to renounce their faith; many houses have been destroyed to prevent Vietnamese Christians from worship. In one particular case, Pastor Nguyen Hong Quangs church was completely demolished prior Ha Noi authorities released him from jail on August 30, 2005.
Maintaining the CPC designation is necessary to tell Viet Nam that the United States is seriously concerned about the violation of religious freedoms rights.
Protest Letter Ha Noi Governments Oppression of The Hoa Hao Buddhists
On August 5, 2005 several members of the Hoa Hao Buddhist sect immolated themselves to protest Ha Noi governments religious oppression policy.
Mr. Vo Van Buu and Mr. Tran Van Ut both burned to death in My An village, district Cho Moi, An Giang province and village Bac Vam Cong, district Cho Moi, An Giang province, respectively.
In addition, Mr. Nguyen Van Dien and Mrs. Mai thi Dung were murdered by Ha Noi security forces. On the same day, many other Hoa Hao members were arrested; their whereabouts are unknown.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 18 has stated clearly:
1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
3. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
4. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.
We strongly condemn the Ha Noi government for a violation of human rights and freedom of religion. The Communist Party is responsible for these crimes; history will judge them for such murderous persecution.
Please accept our sympathies for the lost of innocent lives. We call on the Communist Party to immediately stop their murderous acts against Hoa Hao members.
Ref: Immediate Release of Dr. Pham Hong Son for Medical Treatment
Dear Sir/Madam,
The immediate release of Dr. Pham Hong Son for medical treatment is necessary. We call on you for special attention and action to this urgent matter.
Dr. Pham Hong Son, a medical doctor who was incarcerated for his translation of an article from the website of the U.S. Embassy in Viet Nam, titled What is democracy. Dr. Son was sentenced five years in jail plus an additional three years of house arrest for his freedom of expression. Due to hard conditions in prison,Dr. Pham Hong Sons health has been deteriorating rapidly. Dr. Son was diagnosed with hernia, an illness that requires immediate treatment attention. Recently, Dr. Pham Hong Son has been developed the symptom of coughing with blood.
We respectfully call on your attention about Dr. Sons case and appeal for your support in asking Viet Nam government to immediately release Dr. Pham Hong Son. We would like to co-operate with your organization in demanding the Viet Nam government to respect the international human rights obligations, including their commitment under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) has been founded in Viet Nam to fight peacefully for Freedom, Democracy, Justice and Prosperity. Party leaders and members of the PDP constitute scholars, university students and former government officials.
On behalf of our Party, we also kindly ask you to demand the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (SRV) release all political prisoners such as former reporter Nguyen Vu Binh and former SRVs soldier Nguyen Khac Toan who were held behind bars for distributing their democratic writing online.
Thank you very much for your supports. We look forward to your response.
CPJ concerned about health of imprisoned Internet writer
New York, July 25, 2005The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned by reports that the health of imprisoned writer Pham Hong Son is deteriorating. Son, imprisoned since 2002 for distributing pro-democracy writings, has been coughing up blood, a U.S.-based Vietnamese dissident group, the People's Democracy Party (PDP), reported last week. Family members have requested a medical examination to determine the cause, a PDP source said.
Son, a physician, was arrested in Hanoi on March 27, 2002, after translating into Vietnamese and posting online an essay titled, "What Is Democracy?" The essay had first appeared on the U.S. State Department's Web site. Son had previously written essays promoting democracy and human rights, which were posted on Vietnamese-language online forums.
The Vietnamese government called Son's work "antistate" and the Hanoi People's Court in June 2003 sentenced Son to 13 years in prison, plus an additional three years of house arrest. Son's sentence was later reduced to five years.
In August 2004, Son's wife, Vu Thuy Ha, told the U.S.-government funded Radio Free Asia that her husband was in very poor health and suffered from a hernia.
Son remains incarcerated despite several amnesties of political prisoners by the Vietnamese government during the past year. Internet writers Nguyen Khac Toan and Nguyen Vu Binh are still jailed as well.
"We are gravely concerned about the toll that more than three years' imprisonment has taken on the health of Pham Hong Son," CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper said. "We call on Vietnamese authorities to release him immediately so that he can seek medical treatment."
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(Picture - Demonstration in Saigon - PDP's Express News)