The BBC has voiced significant concern for one of its journalists who has been effectively stranded in Vietnam for an extended period. The journalist, who is a Vietnamese national, had traveled to the country to visit family and renew their passport. However, authorities have retained the passport and identification, subjecting the journalist to prolonged questioning over several days.
The BBC is appealing to Vietnamese officials to expedite the return of the journalist’s passport and permit them to leave the country promptly, allowing them to resume their professional duties.
This situation arises as Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary, To Lam, is reportedly visiting the UK, with engagements including a meeting with Sir Keir Starmer. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office emphasized the UK’s commitment to media freedom, stating, “We remain concerned by reported harassment of NGOs, journalists, and rights activists and communities in Vietnam and continue to raise these concerns directly with our Vietnamese counterpart.”
Vietnam, a one-party Communist state, has experienced rapid economic growth. However, this economic progress is accompanied by strict political censorship and a history of human rights concerns. The media landscape in Vietnam is tightly controlled by the Communist Party, with media outlets and journalists facing potential sanctions and arrests for addressing sensitive topics or criticizing the government. Online content perceived as a threat to Communist rule is also subject to blocking.
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