One Vietnamese prisoner released, but two lose appeal 21/06/2005
Ms Lien being prayed for after her release from prison (Photo: Compass Direct)
Ms Le Thi Hong Lien, one of the Mennonite six, was released from prison on April 28.
During her imprisonment she suffered a mental breakdown due to her mistreatment, but is now in the care of her family. The appeal of Rev Nguyen Hong Quang, a lawyer and leader of the Vietnam Mennonite church and evangelist Pham Ngoc Thach, was turned down on April 12.
On 12 November 2004, Rev Quang, together with five other members of his church, were tried and sentenced to terms ranging from nine months to three years imprisonment. This was in connection with an incident involving two undercover government agents posted outside Rev Quang’s home and church. CSW continues to lobby for the freedom of the remaining two as their imprisonment is a result of Rev Quang’s outstanding human rights work and Christian faith.