Trinh Ba Tu, a Vietnamese political prisoner, has been held in extremely harsh conditions since October 31. He is kept alone in a dark cell with no light and no visitors. Guards only open his door twice a day to give him food, which is his only human contact. This punishment came after he complained about moldy, spoiled rice served to prisoners. In September, he joined a hunger strike demanding the release of all political prisoners and asking the government to respect human rights. Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party allows no political competition and holds at least 160 political prisoners who are jailed for expressing criticism. Trinh Ba Tu is serving an eight-year sentence for “conducting propaganda against the state,” a charge often used to silence activists. His family has a long history of activism. His mother and brother are also imprisoned for similar reasons. Human rights groups say Vietnam’s trade partners focus on the country’s growing economy and stay silent about abuses. They urge these partners to pressure Vietnam to release political prisoners and ensure prison conditions meet international standards.

Pray for the LORD to expose false charges and bring transparency and justice in the trials of political prisoners in Vietnam. Pray for justice and truth to prevail in the country’s judiciary system (The Holy Bible, Isaiah 1:17).

Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of the unjustly imprisoned victims, including Trinh Ba Tu and his mother and brother, in Vietnam. Pray for the end of human rights abuses in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 40:17).

News Source: Human Rights Watch

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