CSW, 10 May 2018
A group of Catholic nuns peacefully protesting construction on land belonging to their congregation were physically assaulted on 9 May by unknown assailants.
Nuns of the Sisters of St Paul in Hanoi marched to the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee Office and the Tran Hung Dao Ward Office on 8 May, carrying banners demanding that the authorities order a halt to the construction.
A group of unknown ‘thugs’ insulted and beat the nuns with batons as they tried to peacefully protest. Police nearby did not intervene. Numerous reports indicate that unknown assailants or ‘hired thugs’ are commonly used by police and authorities in Vietnam to intimidate, harass and assault religious communities.
After the assault, the nuns petitioned the authorities to intervene, but their request was not taken up.