Released Vietnamese speak of prison abuse

Imprisoned pastor Nguyen Hong Quang

Two Vietnamese Mennonite church leaders released from prison after nine months in prison have spoken out about their treatment. Their accounts, a source told Compass Direct, “are heart-rending reports” of “deprivation and humiliation because of their Christian faith.”

Nguyen Huu Nghia, 24, and Nguyen Thanh Nhan, 22, reported that they were beaten by officers and other prisoners. They were also forced to squat motionless in tight places for long periods and forced to lie on the rough cement floor. Often when they were at the point of exhaustion, they said, officers brought documents for them to sign, admitting to crimes or implicating their pastor, Nguyen Hong Quang, who remains imprisoned.

The sentences of pastor Quang and evangelist Pham Ngoc Thach, for three and two years respectively, are currently being appealed.

Breakdown

The appeal of the one-year sentence of Ms. Le Thi Hong Lien, 21, cannot proceed because of her mental condition. At her trial, it was clear that the suffering caused by her imprisonment has led to a mental and physical breakdown. Her plight has captured the attention of Amnesty International, which is urging messages of concern be sent to the prime minister and president of Vietnam.

Medical examinations since the release of Nghia and Nhan indicate they suffered severe physical trauma. Despite their ordeal, the faith of both remains strong.

“I always believe that the Lord of Heaven will keep and preserve me and that the Lord will bring a revival to our country,” Nhan said.

Observing Christmas

Although many of the Christians of the beleaguered Mennonite Church in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 2 hesitated to meet for Christmas services for fear of being arrested, some 50 adults and children gathered at the home of the imprisoned pastor Quang. They prayed for Quang and the other three leaders still being held in prison.

They also prayed for the governmental authorities, especially those in the local Binh Khanh precinct, to the end that they would be able to freely meet to worship the Lord. They concluded with a Christmas reception and gave gifts to the children.

On Christmas Day, 70 persons from the church gathered at a rented facility with a guest pastor from another house church to worship and pray.

Because of difficulties in District 2, some leaders from this house church congregation are assisting in preaching in a large industrial area of 100,000 inhabitants in Ben Cat, Binh Duong province, 60 kilometres to the north. The church in Ben Cat began with 10 persons in August and had grown by the end of the year to 58 believers, of whom 30 met faithfully.

—reports from Mennonite World Conference and Compass Direct