Controversial Sentencing of Buddhist Monks in Vietnam Highlights Struggle for Religious Freedom

Vietnam’s judicial system has faced international scrutiny after it handed down prison sentences to six ethnic Khmer Buddhist monks and three religious activists, sparking allegations of religious oppression. The court in Long An province ruled that the men had ‘abused democratic freedoms’ and illegally detained individuals, sparking severe reaction from human rights organisations.

The longest prison sentence was given to monk Thach Chanh Da Ra, who was sentenced to six years in prison for allegedly ordering his followers to detain and attack officials. The reasons behind the temple search and subsequent resistance remain unclear; The incident sparks widespread criticism as a violation of the rights of the Khmer Krom people.

Asian Advocates for Human Rights and Labor called the decisions ‘unacceptable’, highlighting the broader problem of religious oppression in Vietnam. Calls for international intervention are growing stronger, calling for the release of the monks. The US State Department’s 2023 report on Vietnam highlights continued restrictions on religious freedom by the Communist government.

(With input from institutions.)