Liberty Victoria calls for the Government’s urgent intervention on behalf of Mr Chaun Van Kham, an Australian democracy activist who has been jailed in Vietnam since January 2019. Mr Kham was prevented from seeing a lawyer for eight months. His trial involved five other defendants, prohibited family within the courtroom and lasted only four and a half hours. He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. There are serious questions about whether Mr Kham received a fair trial, in what seems to be a deliberate attempt to quell his campaigning on behalf of recognized human rights group, Viet Tan.
We are deeply concerned about Mr Kham’s status in custody as contact with his family has been cut off. Mr Kham is a husband, father and an Australian citizen. He should have the support of his Government. We call on the Australian Government to take all steps to ensure contact with his family is restored, his safety is confirmed and for his immediate return to Australia.
For enquiries contact Liberty Victoria at
info@libertyvictoria.org.au or phone 03 9670 6422