POLITICAL ACTIVIST LE THI CONG NHAN WILL NOT BE

C O N F I D E N T I A L HANOI 000730

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2018
TAGS: PHUM PREL VM
SUBJECT: POLITICAL ACTIVIST LE THI CONG NHAN WILL NOT BE
RELEASED; BUI KIM THANH RELEASED TODAY


Classified By: Ambassador Michael W. Michalak. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
.


1. (C) Summary. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has
contacted post concerning two persons of concern, Le Thi Cong
Nhan and Bui Kim Thanh, both mentioned during our recent
Human Rights Dialogue. The U.S. Government has pressed for
the release of both individuals. According to an MPS
official, Le Thi Cong Nhan will not be released from prison
at present. As for the case of Bui Kim Thanh, post has
confirmed with her son that she was released this morning
from a mental institution to begin processing for P-1 status
and departure for the United States (a fairly lengthy
process). Regarding Le Thi Cong Nhan, MPS officials
indicated that she is not interested in leaving Vietnam and
is not "cooperating" with prison authorities. Therefore, she
will remain in prison, despite the fact she is technically
eligible for parole. End Summary.

MPS Not Willing to Release Le Thi Cong Nhan
--------------


2. (C) On June 17, MPS Senior Colonel Nao Tam Chau informed
poloff that Le Thi Cong Nhan will not be released at this
time. Chau said that, although she is technically eligible
for parole, having already served one-third of her prison
sentence, the procedure for early release requires that the
head of the prison request that action. According to Chau,
the head of the prison reported that she has not made any
"progress" and therefore he did not find her eligible for
early release. Chau added that they had offered to release
her on the condition that she go to the U.S., but she refused
that offer.

Bui Kim Thanh: MPS Facilitates Resettlement Option
-------------- --------------


3. (C) Concerning the case of Ms. Bui Kim Thanh, on June 16,
Chau asked POLOFF to provide MPS with a written summary of
the steps needed in order to process her resettlement to the
U.S. Prior to her incarceration in a mental institution, Ms.
Thanh had been authorized for P-1 processing. On June 17,
post provided MPS and MFA with a diplomatic note detailing
the series of interviews and examinations that are needed in
order to determine Ms. Thanh's eligibility for resettlement
to the U.S. Chau informed POLOFF on June 18 that MPS agreed
with the diplomatic note "in principle" and referred POLOFF
to MFA for further consultation.


4. (C) Post has since confirmed with Ms. Thanh's son that she
was released this morning. Her other son has brought her to
the IOM office in Ho Chi Minh City to begin resettlement
processing.

Comment
--------------


5. (C) Post continues to press for the release of Le Thi Cong
Nhan. It is interesting to note that the Vietnamese appear
willing to see her leave Vietnam, but we are not surprised
that she is unwilling to go. We have made it very clear that
we will not support any action to have her leave against her
will. With regard to Bui Kim Thanh, she has previously
requested "P-1" refugee status to travel to the United
States. We will begin processing her case immediately,
although a final determination can be a lengthy process.
MICHALAK