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The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) is deeply concerned over the trial of four Vietnamese activists for alleged subversion against the government of Vietnam on 20 January 2010.

The IBAHRI had sent two trial observers to monitor the proceedings in Ho Chi Minh City against the four activists, including lawyer Le Cong Dinh. Despite intervention by the diplomatic community, the IBAHRI observers were not permitted to enter the court. The observers were then subsequently interrogated by immigration authorities.

‘International conventions to which Vietnam is a party provide for the right to a fair and public trial. We are gravely concerned that observers from civil society were not permitted to observe these important proceedings,’ said Juan Mendez, IBAHRI Co-Chair.

Martin Solc, IBAHRI Co-Chair said, ‘The practice of sending trial observers is well established and accepted in the international community. The presence of impartial and independent observers helps facilitate the proper functioning of the court process and helps guarantee the right to a fair trial.’


For further information please contact:

Romana St. Matthew - Daniel
International Bar Association
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