August 5, 2010

The Honorable _________________________

_____________________________________

 Dear Congressman _________________________,

We are writing to request your support for the House resolution H Res 1572 introduced by Congressman Christopher Smith “condemning and deploring the violence, threats, fines, and harassment faced by the villagers of Con Dau, Da Nang, for seeking to protect their land, the historic cemetery, and other parish properties, and to receive an equitable resolution of their property dispute, and for other purposes.”

As you may already know, starting this year the government of Vietnam has stepped up its efforts to practically wipe out the Catholic Parish of Con Dau, Da Nang. The authorities ordered the relocation of parishioners to undisclosed places, while the parish’s cemetery would be moved to a far away mountainous area and the parish Church has to remain where it is. This policy practically destroys the Con Dau Catholic community, which has for over a century has evolved around their cemetery, chapel and church. On August 15, this parish would celebrate its 135 years history and 80 years anniversary. Unfortunately that date may mark the end of Con Dau as a Catholic parish.

The parishioners were determined to defend their faith, their religious identity and the very existence of their Catholic community. The government increasingly threatened and harassed the parish leaders and residents. On May 4 hundreds of police officers assaulted the funeral procession for a 93 year old deceased woman whose last wish was to be buried next to her late husband in the parish cemetery. Over a hundred mourners were brutally beaten, including women, children and the elderly. A 23-year old pregnant woman suffered miscarriage after being severely beaten by the police. The police beat to death a 43-year old parishioner identified as one of the leaders in organizing the May 4 funeral procession.

The on-going brutality against people of faith in Vietnam, of which the 1,500 Catholics in Con Dau were the latest victims, is of great concern to many of your constituents. The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission will hold a hearing on the Con Dau incident this August 18. Please send your staff to the hearing.  Also, we would like to request a meeting with you in person during this time when you are back at the district. We look forward to your favorable consideration of this request and a representative of your concerned constituents will call your office to follow up.

Sincerely,

Name:

Home Address: 

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