Royce Condemns Vietnamese Attack on U.S. Diplomat

Press Release

Today, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) reacted to news reports that Vietnamese police officers not only manhandled a U.S. diplomat, but repeatedly slammed his legs in a car door, violating international laws that protect diplomats.

"This attack on a U.S. diplomat is beyond reprehensible. My staff has met with this political officer and can confirm that he is no threat to Vietnam. That, however, didn't prevent his legs from being crushed by Vietnamese officials."

"In the past, the Vietnamese government has reserved the use of its thuggish tactics for peaceful dissidents and those deemed as threats to the government's stranglehold on power. It's now become clear that no one is immune from abuse," said Royce.

Christian Marchant, the political officer with the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, was on his way to visit Rev. Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly, one of Vietnam's most prominent dissidents, when attacked.

Father Ly was wrongfully sentenced to eight years in jail for "conducting propaganda activities to harm the security of the state," and was only released to house arrest after suffering two strokes while in solitary confinement. He also continues to be one of the enduring symbols of political oppression, as the image of him being muzzled during his sham trial has been spread far and wide.

"It is widely understood that Vietnam has backslid on every human rights front," said Royce. "This attack on a U.S. diplomat is further proof of why we need to make human rights discussions a top priority, and shows why we need to relist Vietnam as a "Country of Particular Concern' for violations of religious freedom. Maybe this assault will convince the State Department to make that listing."

On the same day of the attack, Royce introduced H.R.156, the Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act, a bill that imposes sanctions on Vietnamese government officials who are complicit in human rights abuses committed against the people of Vietnam.

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