Human Rights Watch (HRW) has intensified its appeal to the Vietnamese government, urging the immediate release of two activists, Can Thi Theu and Le Dinh Luong, who are reportedly facing critical health issues while imprisoned. The call for action underscores a growing concern over the treatment of detainees held on grounds related to activism and dissent.

Can Thi Theu, a 63-year-old land rights advocate, is currently serving an eight-year sentence. Her charges stem from her participation in protests against land confiscation and environmental degradation. Additionally, she has been a vocal supporter of other human rights activists and political prisoners. HRW highlighted that Theu was briefly hospitalized in July due to abdominal pain and fever and continues to suffer from severe exhaustion and ongoing pain.

Le Dinh Luong, aged 59, is an activist known for his support of former political prisoners and the families of those incarcerated for advocating democracy and human rights. Serving a twenty-year sentence for activities allegedly aimed at overthrowing the administration, Luong's health has deteriorated significantly, leading him to undertake a hunger strike in protest against his treatment. He suffers from spinal degeneration and chronic stomach pain.

The plight of these activists has drawn international attention to Vietnam’s adherence to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. These guidelines mandate that prisoners should have access to necessary medical care akin to the services available to the general public, emphasizing treatment without discrimination based on legal status.

HRW's call to action aligns with previous condemnations by UN experts who, in 2024, criticized Vietnam for its treatment of activists. They highlighted the use of imprisonment and poor prison conditions as measures to suppress peaceful dissent, raising concerns about the impact of such practices on freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly.

The ongoing situation presents a critical test for Vietnam’s commitment to international human rights standards, particularly concerning the treatment of prisoners. The global community continues to watch closely, awaiting Vietnam's response to these urgent health and human rights concerns. The full story and further details can be found on JURIST's news platform.