Translated by Jasmine
(Few could replicate
Dieu Cay’s actions, for the price to pay for such unyielding determination is
no less than their own life. After a month on hunger strike, the four shrimp
noodle packets the wardens threw at him remain untouched – they could not waver
his soldier’s spirit. The prisoner has been starved and exhausted. He cannot
walk, nor sit by himself. Whilst his honor is undiminished, his body is falling
to pieces – needing the support of two skinny arms to prevent from collapse …)
Dieu Cay’s case: many
crucial questions still unanswered
Dieu Cay’s broad
daylight abduction displayed the questionable legitimacy of the government, and
how disturbingly common the practice of lying is amongst its ranks. Upon his
arrest, the claimed charge was “drug trafficking”, yet at the trial this was
changed to “tax evasion”. Tax evasion: a “petty crime” that thousands of
businesspeople commit daily, each one liable for prosecution if only the
government were so inclined.
At the conclusion of
his 30 months imprisonment, Dieu Cay was immediately rearrested on charges of
“conducting a propaganda campaign against the state” (Article 88). This is
quite illogical; seeing as the conduction of an antigovernment propaganda
campaign could not have occurred during the last 30 months whilst he was
imprisoned. So why was Dieu Cay not previously thus charged, and instead
sentenced for tax evasion?
The following sentence
of 12 years was undeniably heavy, but more significant is the methodical,
abusive treatment and harsh conditions Dieu Cay is subject to. Visiting
practises are extremely limited, often with many arbitrary obstacles created to
prevent relatives from being able to visit inmates at all. The government’s
mistreatment of Dieu Cay has not only demonstrated a complete disregard for the
law, but has been excessively cruel and demeaning.
Whilst none believe in
the false evidence offered by the government, many instead question the true
motives behind the government’s decision to hand an unbearably cruel punishment
to a long standing citizen, former soldier, and now a veteran of its regime. Of
what nature was the “crime” committed that resulted in such a fate?
In reality, Dieu Cay’s
“crimes” must have been the most serious, and the most hated by our government.
These crimes are wide-ranging, from actions that potentially harmed the “16+4
Friendship”, to his bravery in daring to establish the independent, liberal
association “Free Journalist Club”. Dieu Cay’s final crime lies in his
stubborn perseverance, determination to maintain his stance, conscience, and
honour, and his refusal to concede. These three most severe “crimes” Dieu Cay
all committed, particularly the first – in his actions against “Chinese naval
aggression”. (However, it would not be such a tragedy should such “crimes” –
patriotism, bravery and perseverance – be more common amongst government
leaders.)
This picture of Dieu
Cay and fellow citizens raising the multilingual slogan “Paracel – Spratly
belong to Vietnam China
Dieu Cay’s
consistently conscience-driven work and the vicious treatment he has received
at the hands of the Vietnamese government have not gone unnoticed. He was paid
homage from the U.S. President Barack Obama, who raised his case in his
statement on the 2012 World Press Freedom Day: “We must not forget
[journalists] like blogger Dieu Cay, whose 2008 arrest coincided with a mass
crackdown on citizen journalism in Vietnam
Following these
events, why have prison officials suddenly chosen this moment to aggressively
force Dieu Cay to sign a confession of guilt? For his determination in refusing
to sign, he has been punished by imprisonment in a solitary confinement for
three months, finally leading up to his horrific hunger strike – lasting now
over a month.
It is not a
coincidence that “Dieu Cay’s case” has exploded at the same time as two notable
appointments of the Vietnamese President’s – to China and to the U.S. Imagine
the President of China, Xi Jinping’s contentment upon learning the news – the
Vietnamese dissident who dared protest against Chinese aggression, suppressed.
And, all the better if that prisoner of conscience should have signed a
confession of guilt!
Moreover, if on the
trip to the U.S, such a confession paper was presented to the U.S. President,
informing him that the prisoner he paid homage to and protected was in
actuality a criminal who violated the law and was carrying out activities
against the State – a confession supported by Dieu Cay’s own signature – this
would certainly undermine President Obama’s actions. Such a confession letter
would indeed be a slap in the face to the US Vietnam
The situation is
extremely grave.
However, despite all,
Dieu Cay has refused to sign any documents. Thus,
through his bravery, he has actually saved a political game for our country,
and for his friend Obama. How can we value highly enough the merit of this
unyielding prisoner of conscience, Dieu Cay Nguyễn Văn Hải?
It is likely that Dieu
Cay has not had any news from the outside world, and that he was not aware of
those particular repercussions of his actions. If so, his refusal to sign a
confession is purely due to his determined personality and strong conscience.
It is apparent he could never “confess” – betraying his country, his peers or
himself. Yet even if he had feigned a confession, amongst conditions so harsh,
none would have cast him blame.
Few could replicate
Dieu Cay’s actions, for the price to pay for such unyielding determination is
no less than their own life. After a month on hunger strike, the four shrimp
noodle packets the wardens threw at him remain untouched – they could not waver
his soldier’s spirit. The prisoner has been starved and exhausted. He cannot
walk, nor sit by himself. Whilst his honor is undiminished, his body is falling
to pieces – needing the support of two skinny arms to prevent from collapse.
His own son could not
believe the body before him was truly his father’s. Any Vietnamese who still
have but a shred of a conscience suffer along with him. As time passes and his
suffering persists, Dieu Cay and his sacrifice maintain a place within the
hearts of his people.
That precious body may
leave us forever with each passing minute. What can we do to ensure that cruel
possibility does not come to pass?
A heart-rending
question indeed!
Đà Lạt 22/7/2013
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