Vietnam irked by ‘unsuitable’ U.S. prize for jailed dissident

Vietnamese overseas ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Dangle speaks at a information convention in Hanoi, Vietnam July 25, 2019. REUTERS/Kham

HANOI, March 17 (Reuters) – Vietnam on Thursday objected to america granting a prize for braveness to a dissident author jailed for 9 years for anti-state propaganda, describing her award as “unobjective and unsuitable”.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken introduced Pham Doan Trang as winner on Monday of an Worldwide Ladies of Braveness prize at a ceremony attended by first girl Jill Biden, the place he condemned what he referred to as an unjust imprisonment.

Vietnam’s overseas ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Dangle stated Trang had violated Vietnamese regulation, so the U.S. prize was “not conducive for the event of bilateral relations.”

Dangle at a daily briefing stated Vietnam’s coverage was to “all the time safeguard and promote the fundamental rights of our residents, together with ladies’s rights.”

Ties between former conflict foes america and Vietnam have improved considerably in recent times, with elevated commerce and investments by U.S. companies, and common visits by presidents and prime officers from Washington.

Nonetheless, Vietnam’s human rights document has been a sticking level within the relationship, with america essential of the federal government’s intolerance of dissent and frequent jailing and harassment of those that communicate out.

Trang, who printed materials extensively on human rights and alleged police brutality in Vietnam, was detained by authorities hours after an annual U.S.-Vietnam human rights dialogue in October 2020.

She was sentenced to 9 years in jail in December final 12 months. learn extra

“Regardless of dealing with threats – fixed threats – she continued educating others about their rights,” Blinken stated of Trang.

“We condemn her unjust imprisonment. We name for her instant launch,” he stated.

Reporting by Khanh Vu; Enhancing by Martin Petty

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