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Court Sets Appeal Date for Imprisoned Leaders

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — Appeals for Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang and Pham Ngoc Thach, two of the imprisoned Mennonite church leaders, will be heard on February 2.

At their November 12 trial, Thach and Quang were sentenced to two and three years in prison respectively on charges relating to resisting officers of the law doing their duty.

A Vietnamese lawyer, who asked to remain anonymous, said that Quang and his fellow workers are not criminals guilty of the charges brought against them, but victims of a regime that oppresses religion and other human rights.

In a telephone conversation on January 15, a Mennonite leader urged the international faith community to contact the government and the court on behalf of Quang and Thach before February 2, requesting that the hearings be open and that members of the church be permitted to attend.

An appeal for Nguyen Van Phuong, sentenced to 12 months, has been denied.

Concern for the welfare of Ms Le Thi Hong Lien, also sentenced on November 12 to one year in prison, remains high. Reports indicate that she has been beaten and is suffering from total mental collapse. Her parents were denied access on visits on January 4 and 11. They believe authorities fear they will report their daughter's mistreatment.

International appeals on behalf of Ms Lien, that she receive medical treatment and that she be released, should be sent immediately, addressed to His Excellency Phan Van Khai, Prime Minister, Office of the Prime Minister, Hoang Hoa Tham, Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Fax: (84) 4-8234137, 8231872. Telegrams may be addressed to the attention of Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

Appeals on behalf of Quang and Thach should be sent immediately to the Prime Minister (as above) as well as to the court, addressed to Mr. Uong Chu Luu, Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice, 25A Cat Linh St., Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Tel: (84) 4-8231138, 8231142; Fax: (84) 4-8431431.

Writers should send copies of all messages to the Vietnamese ambassador within the writer's country.