Additional Name(s): Hồ Đức Hoà

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Vietnam

Ethnic Group: Kinh

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Health Concerns: Stomach Pain, abdominal pain, high blood pressure, numbness, hemorrhoids, liver pain, spinal pain, right arm weakness, fatigue

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Sentence: 13 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: August//2011

Date of Sentencing: January//2013

Date of Release: May/11/2022

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Treason & Sedition

Ho Duc Hoa

Extra Bio Info:

Ho Duc Hoa was imprisoned in relation to his religious activity. 

In late July/early August 2011, authorities arrested Hoa, a Catholic social activist, journalist, and community organizer, at the Tan Son Nhat Airport following his return from a trip abroad.  Authorities accused him of being connected to an overseas group that it claimed seeks to overthrow the government.

In January 2013, Hoa was sentenced to 13 years in prison and five years' probation for allegedly "carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the People’s Administration" (Art. 79/1999 VCC).

Throughout 2019, it was reported that Hoa was suffering from a wide range of health issues, including stomach and abdominal pain, high blood pressure, numbness, hemorrhoids, liver and spinal pain, weakness in his right arm, general fatigue, and potentially liver cancer. Prison authorities also reportedly failed to provide him adequate medical care. 

In December 2020, it was reported that Hoa had gone on hunger strike in protest of prison authorities allegedly not allowing him to practice his religion in prison.

On May 11, 2022, Hoa was released from prison. 

Sources: