Jasmine Tran (Danlambao) Translated - (Help! Help! My son is being harassed and harmed in jail)
On my previous visit (24 October 2014), Nguyên Kha told me he suffered haemorrhoids and joint pain at his knees. I immediately sent him medication through the prison.
However, on 24 November, upon my recent visit, my heart was broken when he came out to meet me.
On that day, it was very hot. Yet, Kha was wearing two tops underneath his prison uniform. His face very hot and red, and his eyes were lifeless. As I felt his forehead, I could feel his high temperature; his arms and legs were shaking.
I was terrified, and asked him if he did not feel well. He replied: “I’ve had a fever for 15 days. I have rhinitis and I can’t sleep, so I have a headache and my mind is dazed. I am very tired.”
My God! I had to hold my tears, I didn’t want the four prison guards to see me crying - that would only please them.
I asked Kha why he was so sick - had he been tortured in jail?
Kha said: “No Mum, about two weeks ago, the prison allocated another prisoner to stay in my cell. I don’t know his name, but he keeps the electric fan on all day and night. As I have to sleep on the brick floor, I am ill. He has tried to annoy and upset me in every way; I can’t eat, or sleep. I often tell him to stop, but he is very extreme and aggressive, and always tries to provoke me.
He shows signs of minor mental disorders. No matter how hard I persuade him, he refuses to listen.
I have sent a letter to the prison manager, asking them to allow me treatment for my illness, and to put me in another cell, but they have not answered.
I am now too exhausted, I can’t even control my mind. I am worried about what may happen.”
Mother of Đinh Nguyên Kha
My friends, I feel devastated. Each month, I visit my son. Every time I have seen him suffer from unfair or unjust treatment, I have protested loudly. Even so, my son has been treated this way.
I think of other prisoners of conscience, those without relations or visitors - how badly must they be treated?
I could only comfort him. I told him I would put in a complaint form to the Xuyên Mộc K3 prison director, and to other powerful organisations if needed.
Regarding the man now living with Đinh Nguyên Kha, I do not know who he is. Why has he been allocated to live with Kha?
I am very worried thinking about what could happen to Kha in the future.
As a mother, I cannot hold my tears knowing that my son has been harassed so. I hope my son is strong and brave enough to cope with this hard situation.
My friends on Facebook, all my friends - lawyers, advocates, who understand the laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, please give me some advice. What should I do in this situation?
Thank you so much for reading this letter and listening to our story.
Translated by
