News by email Donate

Suggestions

World News

Vietnamese man given four-and-a-half years in prison for hosting prayer meetings

by Will Hobbs
Nay Y BLANG.jpg - Banner image
Cong An Nhan Dan/Radio Free Asia

A 48-year-old Vietnamese Montagnard Christian, Nay Y Blang, has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for conducting prayer meetings in his home.

A member of the Central Highlands Evangelical Church of Christ, Mr. Blang was convicted on January 26 without access to legal representation. Local media reported that he was found guilty of inciting others to 'infringe upon the interests of the State.'

Mr. Blang has been previously fined and imprisoned for practicing his faith.

In April 2005, he was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison by Phu Yen province for 'undermining the unity policy,' and in September 2022, he was fined four million Vietnamese Dong (approximately GBP £130) by the People's Committee of Song Hinh district for 'abusing democratic freedoms and belief freedoms.'

Members of the Central Highlands Evangelical Church of Christ belong to the Montagnard minority ethnic group, comprising around 30 indigenous tribes.

The majority of Montagnards are Christians and reside in Vietnam's central highlands, where they have a history of conflict with the Vietnamese government.

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: "CSW is deeply concerned at the lack of due process in the court hearings of Mr. Blang and over 100 Montagnards.

"The Vietnamese government views the simple act of prayer as a direct threat to their power and legitimacy. No person should fear jail for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief."

"These recent developments show that the human rights situation in Vietnam continues to deteriorate. We emphasise that this is part of a wider pattern of the targeting of religious and ethnic minorities across Vietnam that is often more severe in rural areas, and we urge the Vietnamese authorities to cease all harassment of religious and minority ethnic groups across the country."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate