Vietnam Harshly and Unjustly Persecutes Activists: Trinh Ba Phuong Sentenced to 11 More Years
Updated: Sep 29, 2025 Reading time: 3 minutes Share: Share an articleA Vietnamese court has added 11 more years to the sentence of activist Trinh Ba Phuong, who was already serving a 10-year prison term for alleged “anti-state propaganda.” His mother and brother are also behind bars. All three protested the government’s ruthless confiscation of farmers’ land. In prison, they face inhumane conditions that threaten their health.
Trinh Ba Phuong has been in prison since 2020. Earlier this year, Vietnamese authorities announced he would face another trial, again for alleged “anti-state propaganda.”
He was accused of producing and possessing a leaflet critical of the Communist Party while in prison. For this, the court handed him 11 additional years, bringing his total sentence to 21 years.
According to his family, the court repeatedly interrupted his lawyers and barred them from speaking. Toward the end of the hearing, Trinh Ba Phuong was reportedly gagged to prevent him from delivering his final statement. The court announced its verdict only after he had been escorted out.
During the investigation, Phuong’s request to review his case files was denied, and his lawyers were excluded from the process entirely.
His mother Can Thi Theu and brother Trinh Ba Tu face similar persecution. Four years ago, both were sentenced to eight years in prison, followed by three years of probation, also for alleged “anti-state propaganda.” All three were convicted under Article 117 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, a charge commonly used to silence dissent.
Persecution of an Entire Family
All three are land rights activists. Their mother, Can Thi Theu, became involved in public activism after the government confiscated the family farm for urban development without providing fair compensation.
This is not uncommon in Vietnam. While exact numbers are unavailable, courts register thousands of civil complaints regarding land seizures each year. Most involve disputes over compensation, which is often only about 20 percent of the land’s market value.
Sixty-three-year-old Can Thi Theu has participated in many protests and been active in civil society. She has already served two shorter prison sentences in the past. She has now been behind bars for four years and suffers from serious health problems.
In recent weeks, she was hospitalized with severe abdominal pain, cramps, and fever. She was treated with antibiotics for a short period before being sent back to prison. When she requested access to her medical records, the authorities refused.
Even after her return, Can Thi Theu remained in pain. Her family requested more frequent visits, adequate medical care, and access to her medical records—but all requests were denied.
Authorities Arrest More Activists
One month before Trinh Ba Phuong’s trial, Vietnamese police arrested several other human rights and pro-democracy activists, including Ho Sy Quyet, Tran Quang Nam, and Tran Quang Trung. They were detained shortly before the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s independence celebrations in early September. Since then, they have been denied visits from both family and lawyers.
It is unacceptable that Vietnam imprisons people merely for disagreeing with the government. We call on the Czech government and the international community to speak out against the injustice faced by activists, journalists, and human rights defenders in Vietnam. It is essential that those in prison receive proper medical care without delay.
Help us support people who are fighting for human rights. Their lives are at stake. Contribute to our SOS Freedom appeal.
