Ngoc Nhi Nguyen (Danlambao) - Venerable Thich Khong Tanh, a Buddhist monk who often speaks out against the Vietnamese Communist government about its violations of the freedom of religion, is currently being harassed and threatened with violence by the local police.
Venerable Thich Khong Tanh today (22-03-2015) came to visit Father Phan Van Loi at his house (address 16/46 Tran Phu Street, Hue, Viet Nam). Just as they sat down to talk, 4 fo 5 young policemen, wearing plain clothes, came knocking at the door. They insisted that Venerable Thich Khong Tanh has to leave immediately. They did not allow the two religious men to talk to one another.
These young policemen were very aggressive, they showed no respect and used foul languages, addressing the Venerable in a degrading way. They mentioned his intention to go to Phuoc Thanh Temple to bring gifts to the disable soldiers of the old regime (whom the current government still treat like sworn enemies) to remind Venerable Khong Tanh that it was considered an infringement of the laws.
When Father Loi asked them to be respectful to the Venerable and requested that they act accordingly to their responsibilities as the police, they loudly swore at Father and threatened to beat him up.
These policemen threatened that if Venerable Thich Khong Tanh did not leave, they would slash him up with knives.
Father Phan Van Loi was very worried about the safety of Venerable Khong Tanh, so he posted this call for help on Facebook, asking anyone nearby to please come to help.
Update: Venerable Thich Chi Thang ( Master of Phuoc Thanh Temple ) had to come to the house to rescue Venerable Thich Khong Tanh. At 7.30 pm the Venerable was on his way back to Da Nang. Father Phan Van Loi thanked all those who had sent prayers and encouragement.
Venerable Thich Khong Tanh could not stay to talk to Father Loi as planned.
