Amnesty International recently raised alarms about the health of Vietnamese activist Can Thị Theu. In a letter to the Vietnamese President, they urged for her immediate release, highlighting that her access to healthcare in prison is critically limited. Without proper medical attention, her life is in jeopardy.
Since her imprisonment, Theu has faced harsh conditions. Reports show she has limited access to food and water, along with insufficient healthcare. This month, she informed her family of serious health issues, including eating disorders and persistent pain. Medical treatment has been sporadic, and authorities deny her access to her medical records. Previously, she endured ill treatment during her detention, suffering from an eye infection due to unsanitary conditions in her cell.
Can Thị Theu is a significant voice in the land rights movement in Vietnam. She documents land confiscations and advocates for fair compensation for affected farmers. Unfortunately, her efforts have drawn the ire of local authorities. In January 2020, she shared a police raid on her village through social media, which led to multiple deaths. In June of that year, she and her sons were arrested, facing charges under a controversial law aimed at suppressing dissent. By May 2021, she received an eight-year prison sentence.
Amnesty’s concerns extend beyond her health. They emphasize that Theu is a prisoner of conscience, jailed simply for expressing her beliefs. They call for her unconditional release and urge the Vietnamese government to follow UN standards for prisoner treatment.
Vietnam has been criticized for its harsh stance on human rights. In August, Human Rights Watch highlighted that Theu has not received the medical assistance she urgently needs. In response, they urged the international community to push Vietnam towards better human rights practices.
In recent surveys, it’s clear that the global audience is increasingly aware of and concerned about human rights violations in countries like Vietnam. With social media playing a significant role in raising awareness, there is growing pressure on the Vietnamese government. The situation reflects a broader trend where citizens and organizations worldwide are demanding accountability for human rights violations.
For more detailed information about the standards treated for prisoners, visit the UN’s Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
