Writers in Prison Committee Focus on VIETNAM Send Appeals |
|
| PEN Members and Friends are encouraged to write and mail or fax at least one letter of appeal to the Vietnamese authorities. A sample letter of appeal, which may be used fully or partially, is provided below for your convenience. You may also wish to reference the PEN resolution passed by delegates at the 2002 International PEN Congress in Macedonia in your letter. You may also write directly to the writers and their families where an address is indicated in their case histories. As Lunar New Year has just passed it is a particularly appropriate time to send messages of goodwill.
[Date]
His Excellency Tran Duc Luong
His Excellency Phan Van Khai Excellencies, I am writing to express my serious and urgent concern about the number of writers in Vietnam in prison and under house arrest for the peaceful practice of their right to freedom of expression. I am particularly concerned for the well being of [insert names of writers and any relevant case information here, for example, "Li Chi Quang, whose health has deteriorated since his detention"]. I am extremely concerned at the apparent recent crackdown on dissenting voices in Vietnam as illustrated by the case of [writer/s mentioned above]. I would like to remind the Vietnamese government of its commitment to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Vietnamese Constitution as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Vietnam is a signatory. I therefore respectfully request that you intervene on behalf of [writer/s mentioned above] and all other writers detained solely for the exercise of their right to freedom of expression, and facilitate their immediate and unconditional release. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, [Your name and signature]
Please Send a Copy of Your Appeal to:
|