Le Huu Minh Tuan is a journalist and online commentator in Vietnam, known for his critical writings on government policies and human rights issues. Tuan was arrested on June 5, 2020, under Article 117 of Vietnam’s Criminal Code, which criminalizes “anti-state propaganda,” and was sentenced to 11 years in prison on January 5, 2021 alongside Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam (IJAVN) members Pham Chi Dung and Nguyen Tuong Thuy. The Vietnamese government accused Tuan of using social media to spread anti-government views. On February 28, 2022, a Ho Chi Minh City court upheld his 11-year sentence after an appeal trial, with the court citing the impact of COVID-19 restrictions as a reason for preventing Tuan from meeting with his lawyer before the appeal. Since his imprisonment, Tuan’s health has worsened significantly and the Vietnamese government has refused to provide adequate medical treatment.
PEN America’s Advocacy
January 5, 2025: On the anniversary of the IJAVN journalists’ arrest, PEN America launched a social media campaign for the release of Le Huu Minh Tuan, Pham Chi Dung, and Nguyen Tuong Thuy.
December, 2024: In partnership with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s Defending Freedoms Project, PEN America secured congressional sponsorship for Le Huu Minh Tuan.
October 31, 2024: PEN America released a statement expressing deep concern about the deteriorating health and welfare of Le Huu Minh Tuan.
January 2, 2024: PEN America published a statement on Le Huu Minh Tuan’s health.
Case Background
Le Huu Minh Tuan is a journalist and online commentator. His writings primarily focus on social justice, government accountability, and human rights issues in Vietnam. His arrest followed a broader crackdown on independent journalists and activists including his fellow Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam (IJAVN) members Pham Chi Dung and Nguyen Tuong Thuy. Before his arrest, Le Huu Minh Tuan spoke about his peaceful work with Project 88 in this video.
Case Updates
April 2024: Tuan went to the Ba Ria hospital and had a colonoscopy but Tuan reported that the exam was only 10 minutes and the family doubts the results. From January – July 2024, he had four antibiotic courses, one supplement round, and stayed on antibiotics to avoid severe pain.
January 9, 2024: The prison management department denied the request to transfer him to a hospital for a medical check up.
December 26, 2023: Tuan was in critical medical condition and needed immediate medical assistance. He could barely walk and couldn’t eat solid foods.
November 2, 2023: Tuan was taken to Vung Tau hospital. The doctor prescribed generic medicine that made Tuan’s condition worse.
End of 2022/Early 2023: Tuan was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and scabies by a prison physician. Tuan only received basic medical care, which is inadequate given his medical conditions. When receiving medicine from his family, the prison removed the labels and mixed the medications.
May 26, 2022: In the first family visit after 2 years in prison, Tuan reported health problems to his family including digestive issues. He has been imprisoned in unsanitary conditions in Binh Thanh District, Bo La facility, and Xuyen Moc Prison.
February 28, 2022: Ho Chi Minh City court upheld the 11 year sentence during the appeal trial. Tuan was unable to meet with his lawyer prior to the appeal due to “COVID-19 restrictions.”
January 5, 2021: Tuan was sentenced to 11 years in prison and 4 years probation under Art. 117 along with Dung and Thuy during a joint trial that lasted less than a day. At the time of his trial, Tuan was in good health.
November 11, 2020: Tuan was held incommunicado for 5 months and denied access to legal representation and family visitation. Leading up to his trial, he was only allowed to meet with his attorney a few times.
June 12, 2020: Tuan was arrested by the Ho Chi Minh City police and charged under Article 117 of the Penal Code (2015) for “making, storing, spreading information, materials, items for the purpose of opposing the State.” He was arrested amongst the 3 members of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam (IJAVN), Pham Chi Dung & Nguyen Tuong Thuy.
Free Expression in Vietnam
The Vietnamese government has effective control of all traditional media, including the press, television, radio, and other publications. Vietnamese authorities quash dissent, monitoring online spaces to censor and surveil online content. People who criticize the government on issues such as human rights abuses, corruption, territorial disputes, environmental rights, and/or COVID-19 policies are often harassed, arrested, or imprisoned. Vietnam has violated due process and other human rights, including denying legal representation, imposing arbitrary arrests, and subjecting individuals to unfair trials.