The British Broadcasting Corporation has expressed “deep concern” regarding the welfare of one of its journalists, who remains unable to depart Vietnam after several months.
According to a statement released by the BBC, the journalist, a Vietnamese national, traveled to Vietnam to visit family and renew their passport. However, authorities have reportedly withheld both the passport and their national identification card, and the individual has been subjected to “multiple days of questioning.”
The BBC is urgently appealing to Vietnamese authorities to facilitate the journalist’s immediate departure and return to work by providing the renewed passport.
This development coincides with the arrival of To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, in the United Kingdom on Tuesday for an official visit, during which he is scheduled to meet with Sir Keir Starmer.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office affirmed the UK’s commitment to media freedom, stating, “The UK’s position and track record defending media freedom is clear.”
The spokesperson added, “We remain concerned by reported harassment of NGOs, journalists, and rights activists and communities in Vietnam and continue to raise these concerns directly with our Vietnamese counterparts.”
Vietnam operates as a one-party Communist state and has experienced substantial economic growth, emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia.
However, alongside its economic progress, Vietnam faces scrutiny due to its high levels of political censorship and a concerning record on human rights.
The Communist Party maintains a firm grip on media outlets within Vietnam.
Media organizations and journalists are exposed to the risk of sanctions and potential arrest for addressing sensitive subjects or engaging in criticism of the government, while online content perceived as a threat to Communist rule is routinely blocked.
The red carpet was rolled out for Trump by Japan’s Sanae Takaichi, who has only been prime minister since last week.
Hui appeared in more than 100 films and TV shows since the 1970s – mostly in supporting roles.
The agreements are a clear bid to reduce dependence on China, ahead of a key meeting with Xi Jinping.
After more than six decades, 91-year-old rebel leader Thuingaleng Muivah has returned to his home village in India.
A political veteran who was jailed twice, Anwar waited for 25 years to become PM of Malaysia.