US Troubled By Vietnam Conviction And Sentencing Of Two Musicians

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The United States said Thursday it is troubled by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court conviction and sentencing in Vietnam on October 30 of musicians Viet Khang and Tran Vu Anh Binh on charges of “propagandizing against the state.”

The Court sentenced Viet Khang to four years and Tran Vu Anh Binh to six years. Both face house arrest following completion of their sentences.

United States - Vietnam Relations
United States – Vietnam Relations

“This is the latest in a series of detentions and convictions in Vietnam against those seeking nothing more than the peaceful expression of their views,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Mark C. Toner. “This latest example of the Vietnamese authorities restricting freedom of expression is inconsistent with international standards.”

The State Department said that given the recent worsening of the human rights situation in Vietnam, “we urge the Vietnamese government to acknowledge and remedy this situation, including through the release of these musicians, and all prisoners of conscience, as well as adherence to its international obligations immediately.”

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