Như Ngọc (Danlambao) - Hanoi - According to the news from Hoa Hao Buddhist media, today, March 18, 2014, thousands of ethnic Hmong from 4 provinces in the northwestern mountainous region have gathered together around the court house of Ham Yen district, Tuyen Quang province, where the trial of Thao Quan Mua, a Hmongreligious and social activist detained since October 12, 2013, is going to take place. The large crowds hold banners and chant “Free Thao Quan Mua!"
Earlier, on March 14, 2014, Mr. Hoang Van Sang, an associate of Mr. Thao Quan Mua, was sentenced to 18 months in prison according to article 258 of the penal code.
The trial of Mr. Thao Quan Mua is scheduled today; two more associates of his, Mr. Ly Van Dinh and Mr. Duong Van Tu, will be put on trial on March 20, 2014.
However, shortly before the opening of the trial, the court abruptly adjourns the trial to March 27, 2014, citing the judge experienced a sudden stomach upset.
Even though most ethnic groups in the highland provinces earn a limitededucation due to constantly living in poverty, they are no longer submissive to the cruel communist rules and have overcome the fear of brutal oppression.
Meanwhile, the Hoa Hao Buddhists from southern provinces of An Giang and Dong Thap also make a protest this morning at the Ministry of Public Security headquarters at 47 Pham Van Dong Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, holding banners which read "Release those who are illegally arrested and detained," "Release Bui Hang," "Release Nguyen Thi Thuy Quynh" and "Release Nguyen Van Minh."
Mrs. Bui Hang’s son, Tran Bui Trung, joins the activists from Saigon and Hanoi to demand the release of his mother, along with the group of Hoa Hao Buddhist followers, who are the recent victims of arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, coerced confession and bearing false witness, committed by police of Lap Vo district, Dong Thap province.
The protesters, who seek justice for their friends and loved ones, are verypeaceful but display defiance and courage convincing one that the oppressed people of Vietnam, especially marginalized people in remote areas who often face and endure injustice, are no longer afraid of the cruel, red rulers’ iron fist.
Reportedly, following the protest at the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Security to demand an unconditional release for those detained arbitrarily, theHoa Hao Buddhists, activists, and relatives of prisoners of conscience will continue to meet with diplomats and officials of various Embassies and human rights organizations in Hanoi in the next few days to report on human rightsviolations, the cases of arbitrary arrest and brutal torture committed byVietnamese communist security forces, especially the police of An Giang and Dong Thap.
