Key Events

• US Rep. Derek Tran Backs Jailed Vietnamese Journalist in Fight for Press Freedom
• Major Administrative Shake-Up: Vietnam Reduces Number of Provinces
• Vietnam Strengthens Ties with Indonesia and Singapore
• Political Prisoner Can Thi Theu Faces Death Threats from Cellmate as She Refuses to Admit Guilt

US Congressman Derek Tran Sponsors Detained Vietnamese Reporter Le Huu Minh Tuan

In a significant move highlighting international concern over press freedom in Vietnam, U.S. Congressman Derek Tran has officially adopted the case of imprisoned Vietnamese journalist Le Huu Minh Tuan through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s Defending Freedoms Project. This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to secure the release of individuals detained for exercising their right to free expression.

Le Huu Minh Tuan, a journalist and online commentator, was arrested in June 2020 under Article 117 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, accused of “propaganda against the state.” As a member of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam (IJAVN), Tuan was known for his critical stance on government policies and his advocacy for human rights.