PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 41/009/2007

25 July 2007

Further Information on UA 316/06 (ASA 41/011/2006, 24 November 2006) Fear for safety/torture/ill-treatment/arbitrary detention

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM Bui Thi Kim Thanh (f), aged 47, lawyer

Bui Thi Kim Thanh was released from Bien Hoa Mental Hospital on or around 18 July. She had been held there against her will, and without any medical basis, since 2 November 2006.

Lawyer Bui Thi Kim Thanh had provided legal advice for an unauthorized dissident organisation. She had also worked free of charge defending low-income families in her community who had had property confiscated by the authorities and who are seeking redress.

Her detention was entirely arbitrary, and is believed to have been politically motivated.

No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.

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