[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E928]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E928]]
CALLING ON VIETNAM TO IMMEDIATELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASE POLITICAL 
                 PRISONERS AND PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support for H. Res. 243. The imprisonment of political prisoners and 
prisoners of conscience by the Republic of Vietnam is unconscionable. I 
join my colleagues in urging the communist regime in Hanoi to cease 
with these repressive actions.
  Father Nguyen Van Ly and human rights attorneys Nguyen Van Dai and Le 
Thi Cong Nhan were arrested earlier this year for allegedly 
disseminating propaganda against their government. Their actions were 
peaceful and nonviolent, and are protected by the Vietnamese 
Constitution. In the 12th round of human rights talks between our 
government and the government of the Republic of Vietnam last week, the 
assistant to the Vietnamese foreign minister attempted to highlight 
their achievements in this arena, citing the protection and execution 
of basic rights and freedoms of their people.
  Madam Speaker, these words are not enough. We need action. The 
government of Vietnam needs to show us their commitment to providing 
basic human rights to their citizenry by releasing these Vietnamese 
patriots. Their alleged crimes amount to nothing more than advocating 
freedom of religion, speech, movement and association; these actions 
should be celebrated, rather than punished by their government.
  I support this resolution and call upon the Socialist Republic of 
Vietnam to immediately and unconditionally release these political and 
religious prisoners. Further, I call upon their government to embrace 
differing opinions, and ensure their government's vitality through the 
strength of its principles, rather than the strength of its police 
force.

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