Rights group urges Vietnam to release five arrested over Ho Chi Minh book

Human Rights Watch has called on Vietnam to release five individuals, including a former business executive, who were arrested for their involvement in the publication and promotion of a book about national leader Ho Chi Minh. The arrests, made two weeks prior, target Nguyen Thanh Nam, the book's author, and four others, who are charged with making, storing, and disseminating anti-state propaganda.

The Ministry of Public Security stated that the book, titled "In Conversation with Thanh: A New Account of the Light," allegedly distorts history, misrepresents Party and State policies, and insults Ho Chi Minh and other prominent leaders. Published in April, the book recounts Ho Chi Minh's life and revolutionary activities through dialogues between a teacher and a student. It was withdrawn in June following criticism from Communist Party members and online commentators.

Elaine Pearson, Human Rights Watch's Asia director, criticized the arrests, stating, "The wave of arrests for a book about Ho Chi Minh sends a chilling message to all Vietnamese writers, journalists, and publishers that the proclaimed new era of 'national rise' just means more repression." Despite economic reforms and increased social openness, Vietnam's ruling Communist Party maintains stringent control over media and suppresses dissent.

In addition to the five arrested individuals, over 20 Vietnamese newspapers were fined for publishing articles that promoted the book, according to state media. The investigation is ongoing, and those convicted under Article 117 of Vietnam's Penal Code, which criminalizes speech deemed anti-state, could face up to 20 years in prison.

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The wave of arrests for a book about Ho Chi Minh sends a chilling message to all Vietnamese writers, journalists, and publishers that the proclaimed new era of 'national rise' just means more repression.