Current:Home > ScamsVietnam detains energy policy think-tank chief, human rights group says -Clarity Finance Guides
Vietnam detains energy policy think-tank chief, human rights group says
View
Date:2025-04-13 19:19:57
Hanoi, VIETNAM (AP) — Vietnam has detained the director of a think tank that works on energy issues in the country — the sixth expert working on environmental and climate issues that authorities have taken into custody in the past two years, a rights group said Wednesday.
Ngo Thi To Nhien, the executive director for Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition (VIET) was arrested on Sept. 15, according to The 88 Project, a group that advocates for freedom of expression in Vietnam.
Police also raided and searched the offices of the think tank and interrogated staff members, it said.
It was unclear why Nhien was arrested. Police have said the earlier arrests of other energy experts were on suspicion of tax evasion.
A person familiar with the situation who asked not to be further identified out of concern for their own safety confirmed that she had been detained. Police could not be reached for comment after business hours.
“Nhien’s detention is significant as it signals that research on energy policy is now off limits”, said Ben Swanton, of The 88 Project.
When she was arrested, Nhien was working with the United Nations Development Program to help implement the Just Energy Transition Partnership, or JETP — a deal designed to help the Southeast Asian nation phase out use of fossil fuels with $15.5 billion in support from the Group of Seven advanced economies, the advocacy group said.
The German government said in June that it was concerned by the earlier detention of a prominent environmental campaigner in Vietnam, warning that the JETP deal requires the involvement of civil society activists.
Nhien has worked in the past with other international organizations like the World Bank, the European Commission and the United Nations.
Vietnam is one of a few remaining communist single-party states that tolerate no dissent.
In 2022, Human Rights Watch said that more than 170 activists had been put under house arrest, blocked from traveling or in some cases assaulted by agents of the Vietnamese government in a little-noticed campaign to silence its critics.
veryGood! (91628)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- When is the finale of 'Power Book II: Ghost' Season 4? Release date, time, cast, where to watch
- Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2024: What to know about the sales event and preview of deals
- Opinion: Fat Bear Week debuted with a violent death. It's time to give the bears guns.
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- NHL predictions for 2024-25 season: Who will win Stanley Cup, top awards?
- Why The Bear’s Joel McHale Really, Really Likes Knives
- Royals sweep Orioles to reach ALDS in first postseason since 2015: Highlights
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Judge blocks new California law cracking down on election deepfakes
Ranking
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Suni Lee Details Having Mental Breakdown Night Before 2024 Olympic Team Finals
- How much do dockworkers make? What to know about wages amid ILA port strike
- Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2024: What to know about the sales event and preview of deals
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Parole rescinded for former LA police detective convicted of killing her ex-boyfriend’s wife in 1986
- Friends lost, relatives at odds: How Oct. 7 reshaped lives in the U.S.
- Parole rescinded for former LA police detective convicted of killing her ex-boyfriend’s wife in 1986
Recommendation
Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
When is the finale of 'Power Book II: Ghost' Season 4? Release date, time, cast, where to watch
NCAA antitrust settlement effort challenged by lawyer from Ed O'Bannon case
The Krabby Patty is coming to Wendy's restaurants nationwide for a limited time. Yes, really.
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
Rachel Zegler addresses backlash to controversial 'Snow White' comments: 'It made me sad'
Jennifer Aniston Addresses the Most Shocking Rumors About Herself—And Some Are True
Helene death toll hits 200 one week after landfall; 1M without power: Live updates