Protestant Pastor Arrested and Charged with Spreading Anti-State Propaganda in Vietnam

Pastor Nguyen Manh Hung, a 71-year-old Protestant minister, was arrested and charged with spreading “anti-state propaganda” in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The arrest occurred on 16 January following a raid on his home, during which his son, Nguyen Tran Hien, was also detained. Authorities confiscated several electronic devices, including phones and laptops, during the operation. Pastor Nguyen’s son was released after several hours of interrogation.

The charges against Pastor Nguyen stem from Article 117 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, which criminalizes the dissemination of “anti-state propaganda.” The alleged offense involves a post he published on his Facebook page on 14 January. In the post, he referenced historical statements by Vietnam’s Communist Party, noting that those who purchased land were once labeled “cruel landlords,” while current officials who abuse power to acquire land are described as “outstanding.” The post is alleged to have constituted an incitement against the state.

If found guilty, Pastor Nguyen faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. His legal proceedings will determine the validity of these charges. Pastor Nguyen is a former soldier and was most recently affiliated with the Chuong Bo Protestant Church, which is connected to the global Mennonite Church. He is also a member of the Interfaith Council of Vietnam, an organization that promotes freedom of religion or belief for all. Neither of these religious groups is officially registered with the Vietnamese government, a legal requirement under Vietnamese law.

Pastor Nguyen belongs to the Kinh ethnic group, the majority ethnic group in Vietnam. This is noteworthy, as the majority of Christians previously arrested under Article 117 have belonged to minority ethnic groups in the central highlands. The case highlights the broader context of religious and ethnic tensions in Vietnam, where unregistered religious groups often face scrutiny from state authorities.

The Christian call to justice and mercy finds resonance in Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges advocates to speak up for the oppressed and defend the rights of the vulnerable. Pastor Nguyen’s case raises questions about the protection of religious freedom and the treatment of individuals who challenge state narratives. As the legal process unfolds, the international community continues to monitor the situation, noting the implications for human rights and religious liberty in Vietnam.

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas has expressed concern over the arrest, stating that it reflects the Vietnamese Communist Party’s disregard for its international obligations regarding human rights. He pointed to the early tenure of To Lam, the current leader, as marked by authoritarian practices and the targeting of ethnic and religious minorities. This situation challenges Vietnam’s standing in international human rights dialogues, including its membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council.

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