Notable events:

• Police Confirm Arrest of Labor Reformist Nguyen Vu Binh
• Human Rights Watch: Vietnam Provides False Labor Claims to Gain Preferential Trade Status
• Hanoi Delays EU Sanctions Envoy Ahead of Possible Putin Visit
• Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dismisses USCIRF Report on Freedom of Religion
• U.S. Lawmakers Issue Resolution to Condemn Vietnam’s Human Rights Violations

Labor Reformist Nguyen Vu Binh Arrested

State media on May 9 confirmed the arrest of Nguyen Van Binh, 51, a legal affairs director at the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, citing police sources. Binh has worked to enhance the protection of labor rights in Vietnam. From Vietnam’s state media, the Hanoi Police Department confirmed that its Security Investigation Bureau had prosecuted Binh for “intentionally revealing state secrets” under Article 337 of the Penal Code.

The police didn’t provide specific details about Binh’s alleged wrongdoings but said they had expanded the investigation to search for others who may have been involved. He could face between two and 15 years of imprisonment if convicted under this law.