by J.B. An Dang

This morning, officers moved in on the faithful gathered in prayer, arresting at least three. The policeman then photographed and videotaped those who continued praying.

Hanoi (AsiaNews) - Police in Hanoi have raided the Redemptorists and the parishioners of Thai Ha, who were gathered in prayer on the land illegitimately seized by the authorities. This morning, hundreds of uniformed and plainclothes officers were mobilized in the area.

The 30 policemen arrested Nguyen Thi Nhi, an elderly woman who had been camping on the spot since January, when the protest began. According to witnesses, at least three others were taken away. Other parishioners were taken to the police station.

In spite of this, hundreds of Redemptorists and parishioners continued with their prayers, under the scrutiny of the officers who surrounded the peaceful demonstrators and mingled among them, taking photographs and filming them.

Just yesterday, police in the district threatened the Redemptorists with repressive action.

• vietnam
• hanoi
• police
• raid
• catholics
• redemptorists
• protest
• demonstration
• arrest
• land
• property
• confiscation
• seized