Willow Glen Resident

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San Jose man imprisoned in Vietnam is released

By Monica Heger

Cong Thanh Do 's family and supporters were all cheers with his release, as he walked off the plane at San Francisco International Airport on Sept.28.

The San Jose man was arrested on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the Vietnam government.

The Vietnamese-American who was held by the Vietnamese government, received the backing of the San Jose City Council on Sept. 12. The council unanimously approved an ordinance urging Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and President Bush to take immediate action to pursue Do's release. Do's wife, Jane DoBui, spoke in front of Congress on Aug. 14 and presented a petition with more than 1,600 signatures collected in San Jose and online demanding his release.

Do, a 47-year-old engineer, was arrested on Aug. 14 while vacationing with his family in Phan Thiet in southern Vietnam.

U.S. diplomats confirmed Do's arrest; no formal charges have been brought against him. Do is a member of the People's Democratic Party of Vietnam, a pro-democracy group that is outlawed by the Vietnamese government. While living in the United States, Do expressed his views in articles that were posted on the Internet.

According to a website set up by the DoBui family, Do was accused of conspiring to launch a terrorist attack on the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh city.

Do had been on a hunger strike since Sept. 1, consuming only water and milk, to protest his imprisonment.

San Jose City Council members said they were concerned for Do's safety.

"I am extremely concerned for the safety of Mr. Do and other U.S. citizens who have previously expressed their political views while in the United States," said councilwoman Madison Nguyen. "If Vietnam wishes to do business with the international community, it must start with a genuine respect for political freedom and a legal system which complies with international standards. Mr. Do's arrest showed a complete disregard for human rights. It is only proper for the U.S. to demand his immediate release."

Do's children, Bien, Vien and Nien Dobui spoke at the council meeting.

"Thank you," Bein said. "It really means a lot to us to feel there is a higher authority behind us and that we are not alone, and that he is not there alone, as in reality he is."