[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 113 (Friday, July 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 CALLING ON GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM TO SUPPORT CITIZEN ACCESS TO INTERNET

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                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 2009

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
call attention to the number of bloggers and democracy activists who 
have been imprisoned in Vietnam for distributing their peaceful views 
over the Internet. The Government of Vietnam continues to restrict 
websites and blogs that promote democracy, human rights, and speak 
against the actions of the government.
  It has become evident over the past several months that the human 
rights situation in Vietnam continues to deteriorate. Today, I will be 
introducing a house resolution calling on the Government of Vietnam to 
not only release imprisoned bloggers but to also respect the people's 
right to internet freedom.
  This resolution urges the Vietnamese government to support the right 
of citizens to access websites of their choosing, and to repeal 
statutes like Circular 07 and Article 88 which restrict the internet in 
Vietnam. It is time for the Government of Vietnam to become a 
responsible member of the international community and to respect an 
individual's freedom of speech, press and political association.

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