HO CHI MINH CITY - VIETNAM will put a leading human rights lawyer and three other democracy activists on trial on Wednesday, accusing them of a plot to overthrow the nation's communist government, which regards the advocacy of political pluralism as treason.
The four are accused of collaborating online with foreigners to promote democracy and of joining the Democratic Party of Vietnam, which, like all political parties, is outlawed in the single-party state.
They have been charged with 'carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration.' The charge carries a maximum sentence of death.
The trial comes during one of Vietnam's periodic crackdowns against dissent. Some observers have speculated that the latest crackdown is the result of jockeying among political factions in advance of next year's Communist Party congress, which takes place every five years.
The four are accused of collaborating online with foreigners to promote democracy and of joining the Democratic Party of Vietnam, which, like all political parties, is outlawed in the single-party state.
They have been charged with 'carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration.' The charge carries a maximum sentence of death.
The trial comes during one of Vietnam's periodic crackdowns against dissent. Some observers have speculated that the latest crackdown is the result of jockeying among political factions in advance of next year's Communist Party congress, which takes place every five years.
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