Additional Name(s): Nguyễn Hoàng Nam
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Vietnam
Ethnic Group: Kinh
Religion or Belief: Buddhist – Hoa Hao
Sentence: 8 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: July/24/2023
Date of Sentencing: December/11/2023
Current Status: Not Released
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Online Activity Religious Activity Religious Identity Unregistered Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Public Disorder Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials
Nguyen Hoang Nam
Extra Bio Info:
Nguyen Hoang Nam is imprisoned in relation to his religious affiliation.
On July 24, 2023, authorities arrested Nam after accusing him of posting materials online that undermined religious and national unity. He was charged with "making, storing, spreading information, materials, items for the purpose of opposing the State of Socialist Republic of Vietnam" (Art. 117/2015 VCC). Police also searched Nam's home and confiscated several electronics and documents.
On December 11, 2023, the An Giang People’s Court sentenced Nam to eight years in prison.
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Nguyen Hoang Nam was imprisoned for his religious identity and activity.
On June 27, 2017, authorities arrested Nam following a state crackdown on a Hoa Hao Buddhist event in April 2017. He was charged with "causing public disorder" (Art. 245/1999 VCC).
On February 9, 2018, Nam was sentenced to four years in prison.
On May 24, 2018, Nam's appeal was denied.
On June 27, 2021, Nam was released following the end of his sentence.
Related Cases: Bui Van Trung, Bui Van Tham, Bui Thi Bich Tuyen, Le Thi Hong Hanh
Publicly Available Information:
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"Nguyen Hoang Nam" The 88 Project
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"Vietnamese man gets 8 years for Facebook posts" Radio Free Asia (RFA)
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"Two years after prison release, Hoa Hao follower arrested again in Vietnam" Radio Free Asia (RFA)
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"List of POCs" NOW! Campaign
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"Hoa Hao Buddhist Family, Friends Handed Prison Terms in Vietnam" Radio Free Asia (RFA)
Additional Name(s): Bùi Văn Thâm
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Vietnam
Ethnic Group: Kinh
Religion or Belief: Buddhist – Hoa Hao
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Appeal: Rejected
Sentence: 6 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: June/26/2017
Date of Sentencing: February/9/2018
Date of Release: June/26/2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Identity
Nature of Charges: Public Disorder Unlawful Disobedience
Bui Van Tham
Extra Bio Info:
Bui Van Tham was imprisoned for his religious identity and activity.
On June 26, 2017, authorities arrested Tham following a state crackdown on a Hoa Hao Buddhist event in April 2017. He was charged with "causing public disorder" (Art. 245/1999 VCC) and "hampering government officials who were carrying out their assignments” (Art. 257/1999 VCC).
On February 9, 2018, Tham was sentenced to six years in prison.
On May 24, 2018, Tham's appeal was denied.
On June 26, 2023, Tham was released following the end of his sentence.
Tham was previously arrested in July 2012 and served two years and six months in prison.
Related Cases: Bui Van Trung, Bui Thi Bich Tuyen, Nguyen Hoang Nam, Le Thi Hong Hanh
Publicly Available Information:
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USCIRF Commissioner Frederick Davie, Tweet, July 6, 2023
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"Bui Van Tham" The 88 Project
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"List of POCs" NOW! Campaign
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"Hoa Hao Buddhist Family, Friends Handed Prison Terms in Vietnam" Radio Free Asia (RFA)
Additional Name(s): Bùi Văn Trung
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Vietnam
Ethnic Group: Kinh
Religion or Belief: Buddhist – Hoa Hao
Health Concerns: Pain in eyes and head
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes
Appeal: Rejected
Sentence: 6 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: June/26/2017
Date of Sentencing: February/9/2018
Date of Release: June/26/2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Public Disorder
Bui Van Trung
Extra Bio Info:
Bui Van Trung was imprisoned for his religious identity and activity.
On June 26, 2017, authorities arrested Trung following a state crackdown on a Hoa Hao Buddhist event in April 2017. He was charged with "causing public disorder" (Art. 245/1999 VCC).
On February 9, 2018, Trung was sentenced to six years in prison.
On May 24, 2018, Trung's appeal was denied.
On June 26, 2023, Trung was released following the end of his sentence.
There are reports that mistreatment from prison guards has led to Trung having chronic pain in his eyes and head.
Trung was previously arrested in October 2012 and served four years in prison.
Trung has a wife and at least two children.
Related Cases: Bui Van Tham, Bui Thi Bich Tuyen, Nguyen Hoang Nam, Le Thi Hong Hanh
Publicly Available Information:
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USCIRF Commissioner Frederick Davie, Tweet, July 6, 2023
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"Bui Van Trung" The 88 Project
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"List of POCs" NOW! Campaign
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"Hoa Hao Buddhist Family, Friends Handed Prison Terms in Vietnam" Radio Free Asia (RFA)
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"Religious Prisoners in Vietnam" Boat People SOS (BPSOS)