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Amnesty International has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating health of Vietnamese land rights activist Can Thị Theu, currently serving an eight-year prison sentence. In a letter to Vietnam’s president, the organization called for her immediate and unconditional release, warning that her life may be at risk without urgent medical care.
Theu, a prominent human rights defender, was arrested in 2020 and convicted under Article 117 of the Criminal Code for allegedly spreading anti-state materials. Amnesty reports that she has endured poor prison conditions, including limited access to food, water, and healthcare. Her family was recently informed of severe eating disorders and persistent pain, while authorities have denied her access to medical records.
Theu’s activism, focused on documenting land seizures and advocating for farmers’ rights, has made her a target of state surveillance and harassment. Her arrest followed a deadly police raid in her village, which she documented online.
Human Rights Watch has also criticized Vietnam’s treatment of political prisoners, urging international pressure to end the crackdown on dissent and uphold basic human rights.
