The BBC has voiced significant concern regarding the welfare of one of its journalists, who has been stranded in Vietnam for several months.
The journalist, a Vietnamese national, traveled to the country to visit family and renew their passport. However, authorities have retained the passport and identification card, leading to multiple days of questioning.
The BBC is urgently appealing to Vietnamese authorities to facilitate the journalist’s immediate departure and return to their work by returning the necessary travel documents.
This situation arises as To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, begins a visit to the UK, during which he is scheduled to meet with opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office stated that the nation’s stance on defending media freedom is clear, adding, “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 in Southeast Asia. However, this progress is coupled with significant political censorship and a concerning human rights record.
The ruling Communist Party maintains a tight control over the media landscape in Vietnam. Media organizations and individual journalists face potential sanctions and arrest for discussing sensitive issues or criticizing the government. Online content deemed a threat to Communist rule is also subject to blocking.