Released from prison in Vietnam

Nguyen Bac Truyen, winner of the 2020 Stefanus Prize, was released from prison in Vietnam on September 8. Truyen and his wife Bui Thi Kim Phuon arrived in Berlin, Germany, the same day. 

– This is a truly joyful day. Truyen has selflessly stood up for the rights of others and has put his own health and life at risk, says Ed Brown, Secretary General of the Stefanus Alliance. Truyen, a lawyer, human rights activist and Hoa Hao Buddhist, was awarded the Stefanus Prize in 2020 for his efforts to promote freedom of religion and belief. 

Nguyen Bac Truyen has spent more than six years in prison since he was arrested on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on July 30, 2017. He was abducted and detained in Camp B14. For many months, he was held without his wife or lawyers being allowed to contact him. 

On April 5, 2018, Truyen was sentenced to 11 years in prison and three years' probation. It happened in a courtroom in the capital Hanoi. He and a group of other democracy activists were convicted of carrying out "activities aimed at overthrowing the people's government". 

Grateful for support from Stefanus Alliance

Truyen was held in An Diem prison until he was transferred to Gia Trung prison in Gia Lai province last year. Truyen was released from there on Friday, September 8. Together with his wife, he was able to board the plane to Germany. 

– They are very grateful for the efforts of both organizations and individuals who have fought for religious freedom in Vietnam and for their cause in particular, says Truyen's supporter, Michelle Nguyen, to Stefanus Alliance. 

Silent 

Radio Free Asia reports that Vietnamese state media have been silent about why Truyen was released before he had completed his prison sentence. In a post on Facebook, Truyen's wife writes: – My husband and I arrived safely in Berlin, the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, on the night of September 8, 2023. We would like to thank the German government for his release and the enthusiastic support of the German Embassy and Consulate General throughout the journey.

Honored to receive the Stefanus prize​

When the imprisoned Truyen received the Stefanus Prize in 2020, his wife Bui Thi Kim Phuong sent a powerful video greeting to the ceremony. In the greeting, which she sent from her home, she said, among other things: 

– The award is a great honor and a wonderful encouragement as he sacrifices his freedom and health to protect the right to freedom of religion and belief for all. On behalf of my family and my husband, I would like to sincerely thank Stefanusalliansen for choosing Nguyen Bac Truyen as the recipient of the Stefanus Prize this year. 

Now both she and her husband are free. 

For Truyen, his health has suffered in prison. He and fellow prisoners in An Diem prison, where he was held until 2022, went on hunger strike twice against inhumane treatment. He also struggled with his health in Gia Trung prison. 

On November 9, Truyen was taken to a military hospital after demanding it. He was diagnosed with diabetes and a disease that causes two heart valves to not close properly. But Truyen still received no treatment, except that his wife was allowed to send him diabetes medicine from a doctor she trusts. 

Long-term efforts for others 

When the lawyer and human rights activist Truyen was awarded the Stefanus Prize in 2020, committee chair Ingvill Thorson Plesner gave the following reasons: 

– For his long-standing efforts for freedom of religion and belief and defense of the rights of minorities facing discrimination and oppression in Vietnam.  

– For his uncompromising commitment to a democratic society where human rights are respected and where there is justice for all, regardless of social, cultural or religious identity. 

– For enduring great personal cost, including the safety of his family and loved ones, as well as risking his own life, health and freedom while standing up for the rights of others. 

Stefanusalliansen has also taken up Nguyen Bac Truyen's case with the Norwegian authorities.