After being arrested in 2011, fourteen democracy activists were sentenced to prison in Bangkok, Vietnam for “activities aimed at overthrowing the people’s administration” today. This conviction is part of the “mass crackdown in journalism” by the Vietnam government that has been in place for roughly two years. They will spend between three to thirteen years in prison, depending on the particular case. The activists are thought to have been connected with a U.S. democracy group banned in Vietnam. This group supposedly, according to the Vietnam government, was plotting to overthrow it. The activists consisted of different types of writers, such as bloggers and journalists, as well as political and social activists. Some expressed their views towards the government through their writing. According to Human Right’s Watch, “five of the defendants had blogged in support of freedom of expression and of multiparty democracy.” The Communist government of Vietnam is aware of the importance of writers in a revolution. On the political spectrum, writers are found very close to the radical side. Radicals want rapid, drastic change. Writers are crucial because their words can be spread across a far distance and reach out to people bringing more and more people to be a part of the movement. These writers are similar to those of any other attempt at change, for example the American Revolutionary writers who were also strong advocates for a democracy. The colonists were able to achieve their freedom and democracy. I wonder, when will the Vietnamese be able to do the same?
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/10/world/asia/activists-convicted-in-vietnam-crackdown-on-dissent.html?_r=0
I agree that these course of events are relatable to some cases in history, especially the American Revolution. The question comes as to how this first act of rebellion will develop in the future. Will Vietnam end up having their own revolution as time comes? Censorship is also present in this government as well. In this case, the government punishes citizens in response to what they say. In a way, the government is practicing censorship over the internet. Because something was said that the government did not want to hear, they resolve it using harsh punishments. I think that the Vietnam government fears what might happen if their ideas of overthrowing the government spread.
ReplyDeleteI agree that these course of events are relatable to some cases in history, especially the American Revolution. The question comes as to how this first act of rebellion will develop in the future. Will Vietnam end up having their own revolution as time comes? Censorship is also present in this government as well. In this case, the government punishes citizens in response to what they say. In a way, the government is practicing censorship over the internet. Because something was said that the government did not want to hear, they resolve it using harsh punishments. I think that the Vietnam government fears what might happen if their ideas of overthrowing the government spread.
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