Vietnam Pastor Sentenced to Over Seven Years for Allegedly Undermining National Unity Policy

In a recent development, Pastor Y Nuen Ayun, an ethnic-minority pastor from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison. The conviction was based on charges of “undermining the policy of national unity.” This sentencing took place at the People’s Court of Dak Lak province on August 5. Pastor Nuen, aged 59 and belonging to the Ede ethnic group, was supported by his wife and children during a trial that lasted just over two hours.

The court also mandated a four-year probation period following his release. Pastor Nuen Ayun’s lawyer, Ha Huy Son, has contested the conviction, arguing that the court did not substantiate any criminal acts by his client. The authorities had accused Nuen Ayun of using the Central Highlands Protestant Church of Christ as a facade for activities that allegedly violated national security. Prosecutors claimed he received financial support from Pastor A Ga, the church’s founder now exiled in the United States, to establish a separate religious entity for ethnic minorities, purportedly aiming to create a “separate state.”

Pastor A Ga was prosecuted in absentia in 2023 under similar charges. Lawyer Son emphasized that the indictment failed to specify any acts by Nuen Ayun that sought to divide people from the government, armed forces, or political and social organizations, as required under Article 116 of Vietnam’s Criminal Code. He argued that establishing and leading a church, preaching, and organizing worship do not equate to opposing the government.

The church has expressed concerns that Pastor Nuen Ayun’s imprisonment is intended to intimidate its members and force them to abandon their faith. They have faced police harassment and questioning since the church’s founding, asserting their sole intention is to practice their faith in accordance with Vietnam’s Constitution and the Law on Belief and Religion. This situation calls for reflection on Micah 6:8, which emphasizes acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, underscoring the importance of justice and accountability.

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