Temporarily detaining suspects for further investigation to determine whether they have broken the law is the right of every sovereign country. But certain non-governmental organizations who maliciously oppose the legitimate government of Vietnam are falsely claiming that Vietnam has violated the suspects’ freedom of speech. They have demanded that Vietnam abide by international commitments and obligations release the detainees. Their arguments have grossly distorted the facts and concocted a version of the situation that doesn’t correctly reflect Vietnamese law.

Vietnam’s law matches international conventions

Vietnam’s laws, including its Criminal Code, were approved by the National Assembly under strictly legal legislative procedures which have involved public feedback. They reflect and ensure the values of democracy and social consensus.

During the legislative process, Vietnam respects and acknowledges international law. Article 2 of the 1948 International Declaration on Human Rights states: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration”. Article 29 on freedom of speech specifies: “In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare of a democratic society.”

Vietnam reflects these principles in its laws, so every Vietnamese citizen, when exercising his freedom, must comply with the law, refrain from infringing the rights of others, and avoid harming the interests of the community and nation.

Article 19 of the International Convention of Civil and Political Rights approved by the UN General Assembly in 1966 states that all people are entitled to freedom of speech. The exercise of this freedom, however, is subject to certain duties, responsibilities, and limitations. These limitations are stipulated by law and are necessary to guarantee the rights of others and protect national security, public order, and social health and morality.

Freedom within the law

In no country in the world do people have complete freedom to say whatever they want. Freedom of speech is limited by certain rules. In Vietnam all citizens have the right to express their opinion, but may not violate the rights of others or harm national interests. Article 258 of the Criminal Code specifies crimes related to abusing freedom of speech, press, religion, belief, assembly, association, or any other democratic freedom in order to infringe the rights or interests of the state, social organizations, or another citizen.

The detainees have been accused of breaking the law. Their activities in the name of environmental protection caused social disorder and threatened national interests. They have flouted Vietnamese law, Article 29 of the International Declaration on Human Rights, and Article 19 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.

Vietnamese law respects and protects citizens’ rights, including freedom of speech. Vietnam is also strict with law breakers who take advantage their own rights to violate the legitimate rights and interests of other people or the nation.