From Voice of America
Authorities in Vietnam have shown no signs they plan to release any political prisoners during the country’s annual amnesty marking the nation’s independence day.
Prominent blogger Dieu Cay remains in jail in Vietnam. (Voice of America)
Several political and non-political prisoners are traditionally pardoned on or around September 2. But unlike previous years, Vietnamese state media has yet to announce the official number of detainees set to be released nationwide this year.
Political prisoners typically make up a small percentage of those who receive amnesty. The majority are Vietnamese who were jailed for ordinary criminal offenses like theft.
Many activists had hoped prominent blogger Dieu Cay would be freed amid Vietnam’s efforts to join the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and its desire to be removed from the United States’ lethal arms embargo list.
Vietnam is regularly criticized by human rights groups and Western governments for its suppression of political dissent and treatment of religious groups.
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