Australian Human Rights Activist Hiep Tran Charged in Vietnam

Australian human rights activist Hiep Tran and two others have been charged by Vietnamese authorities with planning to carry out terrorist activities, a claim strongly disputed by the US-based pro-democracy group Viet Tan.

Tran, a Melbourne resident, and his Norwegian-Vietnamese colleague Duc Thuan Nguyen, went missing almost two weeks ago after flying to Cambodia from Bangkok on September 15.

Charges and Disputes

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said it had caught Tran, Nguyen, and one other man trying to illegally enter Vietnam from Cambodia. The statement also alleged the men confessed to being members of Viet Tan — considered a terrorist organisation by the Vietnamese government — and to trying to illegally enter Vietnam to carry out terrorist activities.

"We strongly deny these accusations; these are complete fabrications," Viet Tan representative Phong Nguyen said.

Viet Tan disputes the accusations and believes the men were abducted in an act of "transnational repression".

Concerns Over Fair Trial

Dr Nguyen expressed concern that the men may not receive a fair trial, citing the country's legal system.

"A lot of people in the past [have] been charged behind closed doors … or being sentenced on predetermined charges. The concern here is that these men will not get a fair trial."

Government Response

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the Australian government was providing consular support to Tran's family.

"That's what Australian governments do for our citizens, and we'll continue to engage directly with the family," he said.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said it was making urgent inquiries with Vietnamese authorities.

Investigation

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said its Security Investigation Agency was continuing to investigate the matter and that it would be handled in accordance with Vietnamese law.