Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct 11, 2008 / 08:55 am
The global humanitarian group Amnesty International on Thursday issued a statement condemning the government of Vietnam’s “widening persecution” of Vietnamese Catholics who are demonstrating to secure the return of confiscated church lands.
Amnesty International, after noting the intimidation, harassment, and even violence state-sponsored groups have shown towards the protesters and the Church, urged the Vietnamese government to “end its intimidation and attacks against Catholics.” The group also warned that senior church officials could be at risk of arrest.
Catholics began their protests in December 2007 seeking the return of several properties including the former papal nunciature in Hanoi and also property formerly belonging to the Redemptorists.
Negotiations between the Church and the government stalled in February. In August and September thousands of people, some from other parts of the country, joined in peaceful protests at the properties. At the end of September authorities had sealed off the disputed areas.