In a letter co-signed by Representatives Tom Lantos, Ed Royce, Don Payne, and Jeff Fortenberry, the Members of Congress named 31 individuals imprisoned or subjected to other restrictions of movement simply on account of their religious or political beliefs.  They also cited five individuals approved for resettlement by the US government as refugees to whom the Vietnamese government has denied passports.  The letter was addressed to the Prime Minister in light of his visit to the US and claims of openness while here. 

            Smith said, “If Prime Minister Phan Van Khai is serious about improved relations with the US, he must release political prisoners, allow his people the freedom to emigrate and work to improve upon his country’s abysmal human rights record.  At this point, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary and pleas of well respected human rights groups, he won’t even acknowledge that his country holds political prisoners.”  

Smith said, “Any slight move against the government’s rigid restrictions on religious freedom and freedom of speech will land you in prison in Vietnam.  True freedom of movement and travel still does not exist, especially for political dissidents.”   

“The cases we cite include Pham Hong Son who was arrested for translating an article from the State Department website titled ‘What is Democracy,’ Than Van Truong, a Baptist preacher committed to a mental asylum after attempting to evangelize communist party officials, and Pastor Lap Ma, a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance who was forced to leave his Church and forced into internal exile, who now cannot receive a passport.”