Photo: VOMC
Human rights organizations around the world are raising concerns about the fate of 11 Christian prisoners in Vietnam. The Christian men were all sentenced to prison at different times between 2011 and 2016. It has recently come to light that their whereabouts remain a mystery, and that the believers who should have completed their sentences by now were not yet released to return home.
Among the 11 missing prisoners, six are members of the Degar Protestant Church – a religious movement that does not have government approval. The Degar people (also known as the Montagnards, an indigenous tribal group) are subjected to both ethnic and religious discrimination.
The six Christians were sentenced for a variety of charges, which ranged from "undermining national unity policy" to cutting down trees without permission. The remaining five men are members of the Ha Mon Catholic Church – another religious group that operates without official approval from the government. These church members were also accused of "undermining national unity policy."
In addition to raising awareness of the missing men, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has published reports describing the alleged torture and mistreatment of four other imprisoned Christians. In the most recent report, USCIRF warns of persistent religious freedom violations being committed by the authorities in Vietnam, particularly against ethno-religious minorities. For more information concerning our persecuted Christian family in this Southeast Asian country, go to our country report.
As the families of the missing prisoners anxiously await news about their loved ones, please join with them in prayer for the safe return of these 11 men. May information regarding the whereabouts and well-being of each one soon come to light. Also intercede for the many other Christians throughout Vietnam who are encountering opposition for their faith in Christ, asking our Heavenly Father to sustain them daily with His protection, strength and courage.
Population
