VIETNAM – A coalition of more than 10 international human rights organizations issued an urgent open letter on August 9, 2023, to the Vietnamese government, calling for an immediate halt to the impending execution of innocent death row prisoner Nguyen Van Chuong. The undersigned groups have expressed deep concern over allegations of an unfair trial, the use of coerced confessions, and the possibility of torture during his detention.

In the open letter addressed to President Vo Van Thuong, the organizations emphasized the need for a comprehensive, impartial, and effective investigation into the allegations of torture and “coerced confessions” that played a crucial role in Chuong’s conviction. It raised concerns that relying on such questionable evidence and proceeding with the execution would violate international human rights law and Vietnam’s international legal obligations.