In Dong Chiem, Catholics Beaten, a Journalist Wounded and a Priest Threatened
ICC Note
A series of attacks on Catholics in Dong Chiem by police and thugs in response to protests against the destruction of a crucifix by authorities
By Emily Nguyen
01/12/10 Vietnam (AsiaNews) Catholics beaten, a journalist attacked and injured, a priest threatened and under attack. This is the provisional toll from tensions in Dong Hoi, 70 kilometers south of Hanoi , in the aftermath of the destruction of the crucifix in the parish cemetery by the local authorities and their intervention to quell violent protests against the sacrilegious act. An act condemned by the bishops of the northern part of Vietnam .
The attack on the priest and other Catholics led to a protest march of thousands of Catholics on the streets of Dong Hoi. The protesters also demanded the release of five people, among the poorest parishioners Dong Chiem, held since January 7. That day, the five had been summoned to the service canter of the government to “fill forms for food aid”. At end of day, loudspeakers announced that the five “had bowed their heads, pleading guilty” to having built the bamboo cross, situated in the place where the great crucifix was destroyed with explosives, the day before by the authorities.
The situation Dong Chiem seems to be moving in the same direction as that of Thai Ha, Tam Toa and Vinh Long. Gangs of thugs (in photo) and state media attack Catholics beat and defame them, threaten their jobs, encourage contempt for religion and hatred between believers and nonbelievers. On 9 January, the president of the district, Le Cong Sang, signed a statement accusing Father Joseph Nguyen Van Huu of “not to meeting his duties as pastor and instead of encouraging his followers to commit crimes,” of ” supporting anti-government activities “,” undermining the large bloc of national unity “and” conducting propaganda against the government of the people. ”
