Vietnamese Catholics pray to Our Lady for the release of Viet Tan activists
Hanoi (AsiaNews) - With special prayers to the Virgin, on the day dedicated to Our Lady each month, Vietnamese Catholics are following the appeal process of the 14 Christian activists - 13 Catholic and a Protestant - scheduled to begin on April 24. The beginning of the hearing at the Nghe An provincial court, in the north, is set for 7:30 am and the entire community is already abuzz about the fate of the group of young people. In recent weeks, family and friends have launched a petition for their release. They were jailed with sentences ranging from 13 to three years, with additional period of house arrest and probation under the generic charged of "terrorism" and propaganda against the Communist state and the government, in violation of Article 79 of Penal Code.
The activists were targeted for their involvement in a movement called Viet Tan, a non-violent group that supports
democracy and has ties with the United States, which the authorities consider "terrorist."
According
to trial witnesses, the defendants often claimed that their commitment was only
an aid to the population, spreading news and criticism of the corruption of
party and government members and their accumulation of wealth during the
financial crisis.
In
recent weeks they have been abused and ill-treated in prison, the prison
authorities have also denied them medicines and other basic necessities, as
well as prohibiting them newspapers, books and writing materials.
The sentencing of activists has aroused indignation among the Catholics of Vietnam and the diaspora, who have branded the sentence imposed by the courts in the name and on behalf of the communist authorities as "barbaric" and the unjust. To date, almost 29 thousand people - including some bishops - have signed a "declaration of intent" that asks the government to restore freedom to these "young patriots". Together with the prelates, there are also the signatures of prominent personalities from Buddhism and many local priests.
The group is now an icon of the "courageous" and "non-violent" struggle against abuse and corruption in the party. In their peaceful struggle they have promoted social activities and awareness campaigns in a nationalist slant, including a clear stance against the "imperialism" of Beijing in the South China Sea.
On the 24th of each month the Catholics of Vietnam pray to the Virgin Mary, this month's intentions will be for the release of the activists. Meanwhile, the prayers of the families of young Catholics have had a great response worldwide, although the Nghe An provincial authorities continue with their policy of an iron fist "condemning innocent people whose only fault is to have the future of the nation at heart " .
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17/11/2022 11:50
