GVN TO RELEASE LE QUOC QUAN

UNCLAS HANOI 001112 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS AND DRL/AWH NSC FOR KURT TONG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV VM SUBJECT: GVN TO RELEASE LE QUOC QUAN ¶1. (SBU) Vice Foreign Minister Le Van Bang informed A/DCM June 14 that the GVN planned to release former NED fellow Le Quoc Quan later that same day. According to MFA Americas Desk officer Le Chi Dzung, because Quan was never formally charged, he will receive an "administrative reprimand," which is "only a slap on the wrist." In response to A/DCM's question, Dung said that Quan would not face any travel or other restrictions. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: We were unable to contact Quan's wife by telephone June 14, but will continue to try in order to confirm his release, see how he is and ascertain whether he indeed faces no restrictions. End Comment. ¶3. (SBU) Background: Quan was detained on March 8, 2007, under suspicion of violating Article 79 of the Penal Code, which covers "crimes of infringing upon national security," including "carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration." Quan had recently returned from the United States, where he was an NED Reagan-Fascell Fellow. MARINE