|
According to a March 8 report from Compass Direct, they took down the license number of the police motorcycle and reported the police presence to the city ward. When Thach and a teacher named Mr. Hien attempted to take a picture of the motorcycle as evidence, the police attacked them. A scuffle broke out and the police retreated to call in more officers. As they fled on their motorcycle, it skidded out of control and fell. When the Thach and a co-worker approached the officers to ensure there were no serious injuries, the officers struck them in the face.
Thirty minutes later, dozens of police officers from Special Unit 113, the district police, undercover police and local defense forces arrived with guns and electric cattle prods, ordering the twelve Christian workers who had gathered at Quang's home to remain inside. The police then tried to incite neighbours to attack the Christians and produced an unidentified woman who signed a complaint for "disturbing public order." One church elder, Nghia, was taken into custody. When three of the evangelists, Pham Ngoc Thach, Nguyen Van Phuong and Nguyen Thanh Nhan, went to inquire about Nghia later that night, they were also arrested. Two were beaten unconscious and then charged for "resisting an officer." At last report, the three evangelists are still being held. It is believed they may be released when all physical evidence of the beatings has healed.
Pray for physical as well as emotional healing for those injured. Pray for the continued ministry of the Vietnamese Church, despite the opposition from authorities.
For more information on persecution facing Christians in Vietnam, click here.
Population
