Additional Name(s): Phan Văn Thu, Trần Công

Gender: Male

Current Location: Gia Trung Prison, Mang Yang, Gia Lai

Perpetrator: Vietnam

Ethnic Group: Kinh

Religion or Belief: Buddhist – Unspecified/Other

Health Concerns: Diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, heart failure

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Sentence: Life Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: February/5/2012

Date of Sentencing: February//2013

Current Status: Deceased

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Association Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Subversion Treason & Sedition

Phan Van Thu

Extra Bio Info:

Phan Van Thu was imprisoned and died in state custody for his religious activity.

On February 5, 2012, authorities arrested Thu, the founder of the Buddhist An Dan Dai Dao religious group, for allegedly “abusing democratic freedoms to infringe on the interests of the State” (Art. 258/1999 VCC). His arrest and the arrests of his colleagues throughout 2012 were tied to their activities in a peaceful religious organization called the Council for the Laws and Public Affairs of Bia Son.

In February 2013, Thu was convicted of "carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the People’s Administration" (Art. 79/1999 VCC) and sentenced to life in prison. 

On November 20, 2022, Thu died in prison after reportedly succumbing to an unspecified medical issue. 

Thu was in poor health prior to his death, suffering from diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and heart failure. Prison authorities had reportedly failed to give him proper medical treatment during his time in prison. 

Thu was previously arrested in 1975 in relation to his religious activity.

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