Doan Viet Hoat, a prisoner of conscience, and seven others were sentenced to long jail terms at a public trial on 29-30 March 1993 in Ho Chi Minh City. They reportedly pleaded guilty to activities allegedly aimed at overthrowing the government. Doan Viet Hoat was sentenced to 20 years; the others received terms of between eight and a half months to 12 years. All allegedly belonged to an illegal organization called Dien Dan Tu Do (Freedom Forum), which published an unlicensed newsletter. Doan Viet Hoat has spent previous periods in prison for peacefully expressing political opinions. AI is calling for the release of Doan Viet Hoat and others imprisoned solely for the non-violent expression of their political opinions.
