Nguyen Cong Thu
Nguyen Cong Thu is a news writer and web manager working for an online portal - Defend the Defenders. Defend the Defenders is a non-profit, independent organization reporting serious human rights violations and promoting human rights in Vietnam. Nguyen Cong Thu is a follower of Hoa Hao Buddhism, one of the major religions in Vietnam widely spread over the Mekong River Delta in the South of the country. When founded in 1939, the Hoa Hao Buddhist sect was primarily followed by peasants. Its members, therefore, traditionally encouraged the development of the agricultural sector of the economy, promoted social work and provided help for those in need.
Vietnamese authorities treat human rights defenders as “enemies of the State”. In Vietnam, there is no independent, privately-run media – domestic newspapers, television and radio stations are strictly controlled by the state. Internet communication is also strictly controlled and restricted. HRDs working for accountability and democracy receive accusations of being “foreign spies or agents”, “traitors”, or “violators of public order and peace”.
