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The Vietnamese government stifles dissent through its effective control of all traditional media, including the press, television, radio, and other publications; censorship and surveillance of online spaces; and its punishment of dissenting voices. People who criticize the government about human rights abuses, corruption, territorial disputes, and environmental rights, amongst other topics, are often harassed, arrested, or imprisoned. Vietnam continues to violate due process and other human rights, often denying legal representation, imposing arbitrary arrests, and subjecting individuals to unfair trials. 

A large crowd of people protest outdoors, holding signs with Vietnamese text. One sign references the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands, reflecting a serious mood and determined spirit of Global Advocacy.

What You Need to Know

The Vietnamese government consistently jails writers as part of its crackdown on free expression. In 2025, according to the Freedom to Write Index, 24 writers were held in jail for their expression, many writing online.

Authorities arrest and imprison writers for critical statements against the Vietnamese government which is criminalized as “propaganda against the state” under Article 117 of the 2015 Vietnam Penal Code. 

Vietnamese courts have upheld lengthy imprisonments for dissent despite condemnations from the United Nation Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and human rights organizations.

News

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Individual Cases

  • A person wearing glasses and a black and white plaid shirt stands in front of an interior door. They are carrying a backpack. The background includes a white wall and another door with a grid-like design, reminiscent of something Le Huu Minh Tuan might appreciate for its simplicity.

    Le Huu Minh Tuan

    Status:

    Tuan has written critically of government policies and in support of democracy. He was arrested in June 2020 under Article… More

  • A woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a striped jacket over a floral top, sits indoors and smiles at the camera with her hand resting on a wooden surface. Photo credit: Thinh Nguyen. The scene captures Pham Doan Trang in a moment of warmth and ease.

    Pham Doan Trang

    Status:

    A blogger, democracy activist, and non-fiction author, Trang resigned from the Liberal Publishing House in July 2020, citing security threats.… More

  • A man with short black hair and a mustache is smiling, sitting in front of a window. He is wearing a white collared shirt and is seated on a wooden chair.

    Nguyen Vu Binh

    Status:

    Former state media journalist and RFA contributor Nguyen Vu Binh left his post in 2001 to form his own pro-democracy… More

  • A man with short dark hair wearing a black shirt and a white face mask pulled below his chin stands indoors in front of wooden doors, with blurred people in green uniforms in the background.

    Pham Chi Dung

    Status:

    Founder of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam and reporter for VOA, Pham was arrested in November 2019 for articles… More

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2024 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award Honoree: Phạm Đoan Trang

Phạm Đoan Trang received the 2024 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award at the organization’s annual literary gala on May 16, 2024. Phạm Đoan Trang is a Vietnamese writer, publisher, journalist, and pro-democracy activist currently imprisoned in Vietnam due to her writings in support of human rights.

Take Action to #FreeTrang