Trial of Pastor Believed to be on Fast Track

(ANS) – Reliable sources in Vietnam have informed Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) that authorities are working hard to put activist Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang on trial as soon as possible. CSW said that a court decision to prosecute is expected in early September 2004. This would then be followed by publication of charges and the trial. A press release from CSW says: “Based on previous human rights cases, it is believed that the goal of the authorities will be to convict Quang of ‘possessing and distributing materials harmful to the State,’ based on the evidence he has compiled on numerous human rights infractions by State officials. This crime, if deemed to be in the severest category, carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. CSW said that Quang was arrested on June 8, 2004 and originally charged with “inciting others to interfere with officers doing their official duty”. Five other workers of the Vietnam Mennonite Church , of which the Rev. Nguyen Hong Quang is General Secretary, are also incarcerated on related charges, some having been held since March 2, 2004.