Congressman Derek Tran Issues Letter to State Department Urging the Release of Le Huu Minh Tuan

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Derek Tran sent a letter to Secretary of State Rubio requesting immediate assistance to secure the release of Le Huu Minh Tuan. The government of Vietnam has faced consistent criticism for its human rights record, particularly regarding its treatment of political dissent. Many journalists, human rights advocates, and activists like Mr. Tuan have been unjustly detained under questionable circumstances.

Mr. Tuan is a journalist and online commentator in Vietnam known for his critical writings on government policies and human rights issues. Tuan was arrested on June 5, 2020, under Article 117 of Vietnam's Criminal Code, which criminalizes "anti-state propaganda." 

Vietnamese authorities accused him of using social media to spread anti-government views. On January 5, 2021, Tuan was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison where his health is rapidly deteriorating. 

“Le Huu Minh Tuan deserves to be free,” said Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45). “Vietnam has long punished those who have spoken out against the government and in favor of human rights. It is long past time for this abhorrent practice to end. I will keep fighting to ensure that Mr. Tuan and all prisoners of conscience are free.”

The text of the full letter is below: 

Dear Secretary Rubio,

I am writing today as the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission's Defending Freedoms Project sponsor for Mr. Le Huu Minh Tuan who remains imprisoned in Vietnam. His sister is one of my constituents, and I am committed to securing his release and advocating for free expression in Vietnam. 

As you know, Mr. Tuan is a journalist and online commentator in Vietnam known for his critical writings on government policies and human rights issues. Tuan was arrested on June 5, 2020, under Article 117 of Vietnam's Criminal Code, which criminalizes "anti-state propaganda." 

The authorities accused him of using social media to spread anti-government views. On January 5, 2021, Tuan was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison where he currently is suffering from a host of urgent health and medical needs. Mr. Tuan's health is rapidly deteriorating, and I am deeply concerned about his well-being.

I am asking for your assistance in helping to secure Mr. Tuan's release and ensure he receives adequate medical treatment. As an outspoken defender of free speech, I hope that you and your colleagues at the Department of State will raise this case with your Vietnamese counterparts.

Please let our office know how we can assist State Department efforts to secure Mr. Tuan's release. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter, and I look forward to working together.

Sincerely,

DEREK T. TRAN

Member of Congress

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