Statement in the House of Commons

Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Mr. Speaker, Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly is a Roman Catholic priest and prominent Vietnamese citizen involved in many pro-democracy movements and activities in support of greater religious freedom in Vietnam.

Father Ly was arrested early in the morning of 17 May 2001, in his church as he prepared to celebrate mass.

Father Ly's peaceful activities in support of his religious and political views date back many years.

For his ongoing imprisonment and continuous non-violent protest, Amnesty International has adopted Father Ly as a Prisoner of Conscience.

At a trial on March 30, 2007, no lawyers were present and Father Ly was forcibly not allowed to speak. His support for a pro-democracy movement has led to him being sentenced to an additional eight years in prison.

Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. I am calling on the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to demand and secure Father Ly’s immediate and unconditional release.