Today, we’re observing the 100th day of the unjust imprisonment of our dear friend and colleague Hoang Thi Minh Hong in Vietnam.
We’re not giving up on this fight. It has been inspiring to see people around the world taking action and standing in solidarity with Hong and all climate defenders. Check out our video and share it with your friends.
🧵 September 8th marks the 100th day of the unjust imprisonment of our dear friend and colleague Hoang Thi Minh Hong in Vietnam.#FreeHongFreeThemAll pic.twitter.com/paLICjXDwb
— 350 Asia (@350_asia) September 9, 2023
This continued detention of climate defenders under the vague application of Vietnam’s tax laws is part of a deeply concerning trend of arbitrary imprisonment threatening activists in Vietnam, disturbingly familiar to climate defenders in many other countries.
Hong, an Obama scholar, has inspired many people in the climate movement. Her friendly and relatable advocacy has touched hearts. She played a big part in Vietnam’s recent environmental successes and encouraged climate activists in different places to fight for a sustainable future.
Hong’s arrest is part of a worrying trend in Vietnam. She’s the fifth prominent person in the country to be targeted recently, including Mr. Dang Dinh Bach, an environmental lawyer. Without courageous people like them, progress for the environment in Vietnam wouldn’t be possible.