The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is calling on PEN Members and Friends
of PEN worldwide to focus on the plight of their colleagues in Vietnam during a month-long campaign
running from February 17 through March 17, 2003. This campaign is being launched as a
result of the recent intensification of repression of the right to write by the Vietnamese
authorities. It focuses on ten writers currently in prison or under house arrest whose
case histories can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
PEN members, supporters and friends are urged to take part in this campaign by sending appeals to the Vietnamese authorities:
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expressing concern about the number of writers in prison and under house arrest for the peaceful practice of their right to freedom of expression;
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denouncing the heavy sentences recently handed down to a number of internet writers;
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expressing alarm at the number of writers currently detained without trial;
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highlighting the Vietnamese government's international freedom of expression obligations;
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calling on the Vietnamese authorities to effect the immediate and unconditional release of those detained for the exercise of their right to freedom of expression.
More information on the campaign and how you can take action can be accessed by clicking on the links below. Your activities will help towards achieving real change for writers in Vietnam.
Please contact ftw@pen.org if you have any questions.
LINKS:
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