The U.S. State Department called for the release of Vietnamese environmental activists Nguy Thi Khanh, Mai Phan Loi, Bach Hung Duong and Dang Dinh Bach.
The U.S. Department of State expressed its deep concern about the June 17 sentencing and imprisonment of Khanh, a Vietnamese environmental activist, NGO director and 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize recipient.
“The United States calls on the government of Vietnam to release Khanh, who has been recognized internationally for her work to advance climate change and sustainable energy issues in Vietnam, as well as other detained environmental activists working for the benefit of Vietnam and its people,” spokesperson Ned Price said, according to the State Department's website.
The State Department called on the government of Vietnam to release Khanh, as well as Loi and Duong, who were arrested on the same day that Khanh was. The department also called for the release of Bach, who was arrested the same month.
Khanh's arrest was reported in February for alleged tax evasion charges, according to The Guardian. Bach and Loi also were imprisoned for tax fraud-related charges. Bach received a five-year prison term, while Loi received four years. Both were board members of the VNGO-EVTFA network, according to The Guardian, which is a group of seven community organizations that monitor the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement.
Khanh’s home and office were raided and searched in January, with documents and devices confiscated. The Guardian reported that Khanh was a staunch activist, campaigning for Vietnam to adopt greener energy strategies, which put her in conflict with the country's intent to boost its coal production.
