Vietnam’s Behavior Is Outrageous and Unacceptable (Rep. Zoe Lofgren)

The recent police crackdown on protesters in Ho Chi Minh City has once again demonstrated the active disregard that the Vietnamese government has for human rights. Last month, Vietnamese police brutally dispersed a peaceful protest of 1,700 peasants seeking land reform because their land had been forcibly taken with no compensation. This is outrageous and unacceptable behavior.

I recently sent a letter to Vietnamese President Triet letter expressing my strong disapproval with the actions of his administration. I also asked him to provide an explanation of this blatant violation of both Vietnamese law and international agreements.  President Triet runs Vietnam like a thug and a liar.  His government shamelessly refuses to acknowledge that a crackdown occurred, despite being widely reported by media outlets.

Actions like the recent capricious arrests of, and violence toward, peaceful protesters have led me to introduce H. Res. 506.  My resolution sends a clear message to Vietnam: either behave like a responsible trading partner or Congress should revoke the Permanent Normal Trade Relations that was approved prematurely.