CSW Accuses Vietnam of Politicizing Religious Worship Among Minorities

In a move that has drawn international attention, Vietnam is under scrutiny for its treatment of religious groups, particularly ethnic minorities. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has raised concerns over the Vietnamese government’s actions, accusing it of politicizing and demonizing regular religious practices.

These concerns were highlighted after Major General Le Quang Nhan, Director of Gia Lai Provincial Police, revealed that 119 Christians in the Gia Lai Province were investigated and “handled”. This revelation followed a meeting with Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang.

Furthermore, two criminal cases have been launched against four individuals. These cases allege connections to the United Front for the Liberation of Oppressed Races (FULRO) and what the government refers to as “De Ga Protestantism”.

FULRO, an organization that emerged in the 1960s, was formed to represent ethnic minorities in Vietnam, such as the Montagnards, many of whom practice Protestantism. The Vietnamese authorities view FULRO similarly to how the British government viewed the IRA during The Troubles, labeling it as a terrorist group.

Despite this, the perceived threat of FULRO has long dissipated, as evidenced by the surrender of its last armed group of 400 individuals to UN peacekeepers in Cambodia in 1992.

On the other hand, “De Ga Protestantism” is a term used by the government to describe groups merging Protestant beliefs with FULRO-influenced political aims, such as seeking greater autonomy for ethnic minorities. CSW argues that this term is derogatory, aiming to undermine the legitimacy of the religious practices of these groups by framing them as national security threats.

Mervyn Thomas, founder and president of CSW, stated, “Vietnam is increasingly becoming one of the most repressive states when it comes to persecuting and prosecuting religious groups.

“Branding religious communities as De Ga or FULRO is an unabashed attempt to politicise and demonise lawful religious activity – we are not fooled.

“The Vietnamese government must be held to account for its ongoing assault on the right to freedom of religion or belief and other fundamental freedoms.”