Misplaced Pages

Nguyễn Đan Quế: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 03:18, 20 April 2022 view sourceCitation bot (talk | contribs)Bots5,435,765 edits Add: title. Changed bare reference to CS1/2. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by BrownHairedGirl | Linked from User:BrownHairedGirl/Articles_with_bare_links | #UCB_webform_linked 2696/2843← Previous edit Latest revision as of 13:08, 8 November 2024 view source Monkbot (talk | contribs)Bots3,695,952 editsm Task 20: replace {lang-??} templates with {langx|??} ‹See Tfd› (Replaced 1);Tag: AWB 
(12 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Family name hatnote|]|Quế|lang=Vietnamese}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
|name = Nguyễn Đan Quế | name = Nguyễn Đan Quế
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1942|4|13|df=yes}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1942|4|13|df=yes}}
|birth_place = ], ]<ref name=AI/> | birth_place = ], Tonkin, ]<ref name=AI/>
|death_place = | death_place =
|nationality = Vietnamese | nationality = Vietnamese
|other_names = | other_names =
|known_for = democracy activism, repeated imprisonment | known_for = Democracy activism and repeated imprisonment
|occupation = endocrinologist | occupation = Endocrinologist
|awards = ] (1995)<br />] (2004) | awards = ] (1995)<br />] (2004)
}} }}


'''Nguyễn Đan Quế''', M.D. (born 13 April 1942<ref name=AI>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa41/019/2004/en/ |title=Viet Nam: High cost of lifelong commitment to human rights |date=18 August 2004 |publisher=Amnesty International |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref>) is a ] ] and pro-democracy ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/24/world/vietnam-hopeful-on-ties-after-talks-in-the-us.html |title=Vietnam Hopeful on Ties After Talks in the U.S |author=Barbara Crossette |date=24 November 1991 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref><ref name=NYT235 /> He was imprisoned from 1978-1988, 1990-1998, 2003–2005, and briefly in 2011 on state security charges related to his activism. In 2003, '']'' described him as "Vietnam's most renowned dissident".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/05/opinion/the-world-s-other-tyrants-still-at-work.html?pagewanted=2 |title=The World's Other Tyrants, Still at Work |author=Aryeh Neier |date=5 April 2003 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> '''Nguyễn Đan Quế''' (born 13 April 1942<ref name=AI>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa41/019/2004/en/ |title=Viet Nam: High cost of lifelong commitment to human rights |date=18 August 2004 |publisher=Amnesty International |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref>) is a ] ] and pro-democracy ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/24/world/vietnam-hopeful-on-ties-after-talks-in-the-us.html |title=Vietnam Hopeful on Ties After Talks in the U.S |author=Barbara Crossette |date=24 November 1991 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref><ref name=NYT235 /> He was imprisoned from 1978 to 1988, 1990 to 1998, 2003 to 2005, and briefly in 2011 on state security charges related to his activism. In 2003, '']'' described him as "Vietnam's most renowned dissident".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/05/opinion/the-world-s-other-tyrants-still-at-work.html?pagewanted=2 |title=The World's Other Tyrants, Still at Work |author=Aryeh Neier |date=5 April 2003 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref>


==Early life== ==Early life==
Que was born in 13 April 1942 in Hanoi in northern Vietnam, then occupied by the ]. His family, including his mother and five siblings immigrated to Saigon after the Geneva Accords, fleeing communist rule in ].<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org">{{Cite web|url=http://www.rallyingfordemocracy.org/index.php?page=blog&title=Who+is+Dr.+Nguyen+Dan+Que%3F|title=Rallying for Democracy of Vietnam}}</ref> He received an M.D. from ] at age 22. In the 1960s and early 70s, he trained in Europe on a ] scholarship, specializing in ].<ref name=AI/> Quế was born on 13 April 1942 in ] in northern Vietnam, ] by the ]. His family, including his mother and five siblings immigrated to Saigon after the Geneva Accords, fleeing communist rule in ].<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org">{{Cite web|url=http://www.rallyingfordemocracy.org/index.php?page=blog&title=Who+is+Dr.+Nguyen+Dan+Que%3F|title=Rallying for Democracy of Vietnam}}</ref> He received an M.D. from ] at age 22. In the 1960s and early 70s, he trained in Europe on a ] scholarship, specializing in ].<ref name=AI/>


In 1974, he joined the teaching staff at Saigon University, and the following year became the director of ]. He had the opportunity to leave the country but chose to stay to provide medical care to the poor.<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> However, he was removed from his post one year later for criticizing the communist regime's discriminatory health care policy.<ref name=AI/><ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> He then formed the pro-democracy group National Front for Progress.<ref name=NYT811/> He also became ]'s first member in Vietnam<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/05/magazine/reaching-for-the-good-life-in-vietnam.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |title=Reaching for the Good Life in Vietnam |author=Philip Shenon |date=5 January 1992 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> and began publishing two underground newspapers, "The Uprising" (Vung Day) for youth and "The People’s Uprising" (Toan Dan Vung Day) for the general public, to question the government’s violations of basic human rights and to demand that the government reduce military spending and invest in the welfare of the people.<ref name=AI/><ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> In 1978, he was arrested for his continued critique of national health care policy,<ref name=BBC291/> along with 47 associates, and imprisoned without trial; many were tortured and five died in captivity. When Dr. Que demanded improvement in the treatment of political prisoners, he was incarcerated in a five-by-six foot cell without sanitary facilities for two months. He was sentenced for 10 years imprisonment.<ref name=NYT811/> In 1974, he joined the teaching staff at Saigon University, and the following year became the director of ]. He had the opportunity to leave the country but chose to stay to provide medical care to the poor.<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> However, he was removed from his post one year later for criticizing the communist regime's discriminatory health care policy.<ref name=AI/><ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> He then formed the pro-democracy group National Front for Progress.<ref name=NYT811/> He also became ]'s first member in Vietnam<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/05/magazine/reaching-for-the-good-life-in-vietnam.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |title=Reaching for the Good Life in Vietnam |author=Philip Shenon |date=5 January 1992 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> and began publishing two underground newspapers, "The Uprising" (Vung Day) for youth and "The People’s Uprising" (Toan Dan Vung Day) for the general public, to question the government's violations of basic human rights and to demand that the government reduce military spending and invest in the welfare of the people.<ref name=AI/><ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> In 1978, he was arrested for his continued critique of national health care policy,<ref name=BBC291/> along with 47 associates, and imprisoned without trial; many were tortured and five died in captivity. When Quế demanded improvement in the treatment of political prisoners, he was incarcerated in a five-by-six foot cell without sanitary facilities for two months. He was sentenced for 10 years imprisonment.<ref name=NYT811/>


==1990-1998 imprisonment== == 1990–1998 imprisonment ==
Que formed a new pro-democracy group following his arrest called the High Tide of Humanism Movement ({{lang-vi|Cao Tran Nhan Ban}}). On 14 June 1990, he was arrested again.<ref name=AI/><ref name=NYT811/> On 29 November 1991, after a half-hour ]<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> he was sentenced to twenty years of hard labor plus five years' house arrest for treason after sending documents to Amnesty International; according to the Vietnamese national press agency, "reactionary forces used them to denigrate Vietnam" and "attempting to overthrow the people's government".<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/04/world/vietnamese-rights-advocate-is-said-to-get-20-year-term.html |title=Vietnamese Rights Advocate Is Said to Get 20-Year Term |date=4 December 1991 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Que's family and human rights groups reported that he was assigned to hard labor despite declining health. Vietnam's foreign ministry denied the statement.<ref name=NYT811>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/08/world/hanoi-is-accused-of-abusing-critic.html |title=Hanoi is Accused of Abusing Critic |author=Philip Shenon |date=8 November 1993 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Quế formed a new pro-democracy group following his arrest called the High Tide of Humanism Movement ({{langx|vi|Cao Tran Nhan Ban}}). On 14 June 1990, he was arrested again.<ref name=AI/><ref name=NYT811/> On 29 November 1991, after a half-hour ]<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> he was sentenced to twenty years of hard labor plus five years' house arrest for treason after sending documents to Amnesty International; according to the Vietnamese national press agency, "reactionary forces used them to denigrate Vietnam" and "attempting to overthrow the people's government".<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/04/world/vietnamese-rights-advocate-is-said-to-get-20-year-term.html |title=Vietnamese Rights Advocate Is Said to Get 20-Year Term |date=4 December 1991 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Quế's family and human rights groups reported that he was assigned to hard labor despite declining health. Vietnam's foreign ministry denied the statement.<ref name=NYT811>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/08/world/hanoi-is-accused-of-abusing-critic.html |title=Hanoi is Accused of Abusing Critic |author=Philip Shenon |date=8 November 1993 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref>


In April 1991, ] ] attempted repeatedly to meet with Que, but was refused;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/29/opinion/our-saigon-friends-still-need-help.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |title=Our Saigon Friends Still Need Help |author=James Webb |date=29 April 1991 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> U.S. Senator ], whose district included Que's brother, was blocked by the Vietnamese government from meeting with Que to bring him medicine in August 1993.<ref name=NYT235>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/23/world/vietnam-revisited-periodic-report-security-tactics-vietnam-still-inspire.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |title=Vietnam Revisited: A periodic report.; Security Tactics in Vietnam Still Inspire Widespread Fear |author=Malcolm W. Browne |date=23 May 1994 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/20/world/hanoi-bars-a-senator-s-visit-with-dissident.html |title=Hanoi Bars a Senator's Visit With Dissident |date=20 August 1993 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Que's case was also taken up by the ],<ref name=NYT298/> Amnesty International, and ].<ref name=BBC298 /> In April 1991, ] ] attempted repeatedly to meet with Quế, but was refused;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/29/opinion/our-saigon-friends-still-need-help.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |title=Our Saigon Friends Still Need Help |author=James Webb |date=29 April 1991 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> U.S. Senator ], whose district included Quế's brother, was blocked by the Vietnamese government from meeting with Quế to bring him medicine in August 1993.<ref name=NYT235>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/23/world/vietnam-revisited-periodic-report-security-tactics-vietnam-still-inspire.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |title=Vietnam Revisited: A periodic report.; Security Tactics in Vietnam Still Inspire Widespread Fear |author=Malcolm W. Browne |date=23 May 1994 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/20/world/hanoi-bars-a-senator-s-visit-with-dissident.html |title=Hanoi Bars a Senator's Visit With Dissident |date=20 August 1993 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Quế's case was also taken up by the ],<ref name=NYT298/> Amnesty International, and ].<ref name=BBC298 />


Que was released in a 1998 general amnesty that included fellow dissident ]. Both Que and Hoat were offered resettlement in the United States on the condition that they leave the country.<ref name=NYT298>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/29/world/world-news-briefs-an-amnesty-in-vietnam-includes-some-americans.html |title=World News Briefs; An Amnesty in Vietnam Includes Some Americans |date=29 August 1998 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Que refused, stating that he would rather stay in prison than be forced into exile.<ref name=BBC298>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/160676.stm |title=Vietnamese dissident refuses to leave |date=29 August 1998 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Quế was released in a 1998 general amnesty that included fellow dissident ]. Both Quế and Hoat were offered resettlement in the United States on the condition that they leave the country.<ref name=NYT298>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/29/world/world-news-briefs-an-amnesty-in-vietnam-includes-some-americans.html |title=World News Briefs; An Amnesty in Vietnam Includes Some Americans |date=29 August 1998 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Quế refused, stating that he would rather stay in prison than be forced into exile.<ref name=BBC298>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/160676.stm |title=Vietnamese dissident refuses to leave |date=29 August 1998 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref>


==Later activism== ==Later activism==
Que remained in Vietnam, and on 12 May 1999, posted a statement to the Internet advocating free elections for the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/12/world/world-briefing.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |title=Vietnam: Dissident Speaks Out |author=Seth Mydans |date=12 May 1993 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> On 17 March 2003, Que was arrested for again after he wrote a series of articles about Vietnamese media censorship, with the regime accusing him of "espionage".<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/><ref name="BBC News">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12595261 |title=Vietnam activist Nguyen Dan Que held for uprising call |date=28 February 2011 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> On 29 January 2004, the Ho Chi Minh People's Court found him guilty of "abusing democratic rights to jeopardise the interests of the state, and the legitimate rights and interests of social organisations and citizens" and sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment.<ref name=BBC291>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3935519.stm |title=Vietnam jails veteran dissident |date=29 January 2004 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> On September 22, 2004 Que was secretly sent to a hard labor camp (]) in ] Province.<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> However, he was granted an amnesty on 31 January 2005 for ], the Vietnamese New Year, along with fellow dissidents ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4222479.stm |title=Vietnam to free top dissidents |date=31 January 2005 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Quế remained in Vietnam, and on 12 May 1999, posted a statement to the Internet advocating free elections for the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/12/world/world-briefing.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |title=Vietnam: Dissident Speaks Out |author=Seth Mydans |date=12 May 1993 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> On 17 March 2003, Quế was arrested for again after he wrote a series of articles about Vietnamese media censorship, with the regime accusing him of "espionage".<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/><ref name="BBC News">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12595261 |title=Vietnam activist Nguyen Dan Que held for uprising call |date=28 February 2011 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> On 29 January 2004, the Ho Chi Minh People's Court found him guilty of "abusing democratic rights to jeopardise the interests of the state, and the legitimate rights and interests of social organisations and citizens" and sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment.<ref name=BBC291>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3935519.stm |title=Vietnam jails veteran dissident |date=29 January 2004 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> On September 22, 2004, Quế was secretly sent to a hard labor camp (]) in ] Province.<ref name="rallyingfordemocracy.org"/> However, he was granted an amnesty on 31 January 2005 for ], the Vietnamese New Year, along with fellow dissidents ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4222479.stm |title=Vietnam to free top dissidents |date=31 January 2005 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref>


In mid-February 2011, Que posted an Internet appeal for mass demonstrations in Vietnam on the model of the ] uprisings, calling on citizens to make a "clean sweep of Communist dictatorship and build a new, free, democratic, humane and progressive Vietnam". He was then detained by the authorities for "directly violating the stability and strength of the people's government".<ref name=WP>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/28/AR2011022800803.html |title=Vietnam dissident detained for revolution calls |author=Margie Mason |date=28 February 2011 |newspaper=The Washington Post |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Following a raid on his home, police reported that they had found thousands of anti-government documents in his home.<ref name="BBC News"/> A government media report stated that he had been caught "red-handed keeping and distributing documents" calling for revolution. ] named him a ] and called for his immediate release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/vietnamese-authorities-must-release-dr-nguyen-dan-que-2011-02-28 |title=Vietnamese Authorities Must Release Dr. Nguyen Dan Que |date=28 February 2011 |publisher=Amnesty International |accessdate=17 January 2012}}</ref> On 6 March 2012, former ] ] organized a Vietnamese-American lobbying effort for Que, ], ], and other Vietnamese political prisoners, calling on the administration of President ] and the ] to take a stronger stand on their behalf.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/former_rep_cao_back_on_capitol.html |title=Former Rep. Anh 'Joseph' Cao urges tougher line against Vietnam |author=Jonathan Tilove |date=7 March 2012 |work=The Times-Picayune |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> In mid-February 2011, Quế posted an Internet appeal for mass demonstrations in Vietnam on the model of the ] uprisings, calling on citizens to make a "clean sweep of Communist dictatorship and build a new, free, democratic, humane and progressive Vietnam". He was then detained by the authorities for "directly violating the stability and strength of the people's government".<ref name=WP>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/28/AR2011022800803.html |title=Vietnam dissident detained for revolution calls |author=Margie Mason |date=28 February 2011 |newspaper=The Washington Post |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Following a raid on his home, police reported that they had found thousands of anti-government documents in his home.<ref name="BBC News"/> A government media report stated that he had been caught "red-handed keeping and distributing documents" calling for revolution. ] named him a ] and called for his immediate release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/vietnamese-authorities-must-release-dr-nguyen-dan-que-2011-02-28 |title=Vietnamese Authorities Must Release Dr. Nguyen Dan Que |date=28 February 2011 |publisher=Amnesty International |accessdate=17 January 2012}}</ref> On 6 March 2012, former ] ] organized a Vietnamese-American lobbying effort for Quế, ], ], and other Vietnamese political prisoners, calling on the administration of President ] and the ] to take a stronger stand on their behalf.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/former_rep_cao_back_on_capitol.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309234947/http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/former_rep_cao_back_on_capitol.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 9, 2012 |title=Former Rep. Anh 'Joseph' Cao urges tougher line against Vietnam |author=Jonathan Tilove |date=7 March 2012 |work=The Times-Picayune |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref>


==Awards== ==Awards==
In 1995, Que was given the ] by the ]. The Center praised his work "promoting greater freedom of expression and human rights in Viet Nam".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rfkcenter.org/1995-dr-nguyen-dan-que-viet-nam |title=1995: Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, Viet Nam |year=1995 |publisher=Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award |accessdate=21 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620185931/http://rfkcenter.org/1995-dr-nguyen-dan-que-viet-nam |archivedate=20 June 2013 }}</ref> In 2004, he was a finalist for the US-based ], which "honors civil courage — steadfast resistance to evil at great personal risk — rather than military valor".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civilcourageprize.org/index.htm |title=Civil Courage Prize |year=2012 |publisher=Civil Courage Prize |accessdate=10 August 2012}}</ref> He ultimately won a "Certificate of Distinction in Civil Courage" and a $1,000 cash prize.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civilcourageprize.org/certificates-distinction.htm |title=Certificates of Distinction in Civil Courage |publisher=Civil Courage Prize |accessdate=10 August 2012}}</ref> In 1995, Quế was given the ] by the ]. The Center praised his work "promoting greater freedom of expression and human rights in Viet Nam".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rfkcenter.org/1995-dr-nguyen-dan-que-viet-nam |title=1995: Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, Viet Nam |year=1995 |publisher=Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award |accessdate=21 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620185931/http://rfkcenter.org/1995-dr-nguyen-dan-que-viet-nam |archivedate=20 June 2013 }}</ref> In 2004, he was a finalist for the US-based ], which "honors civil courage — steadfast resistance to evil at great personal risk — rather than military valor".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civilcourageprize.org/index.htm |title=Civil Courage Prize |year=2012 |publisher=Civil Courage Prize |accessdate=10 August 2012}}</ref> He ultimately won a "Certificate of Distinction in Civil Courage" and a $1,000 cash prize.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civilcourageprize.org/certificates-distinction.htm |title=Certificates of Distinction in Civil Courage |publisher=Civil Courage Prize |accessdate=10 August 2012}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
Line 46: Line 47:
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nguyen, Dan Que}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Nguyen, Dan Que}}
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
Line 57: Line 59:
] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 13:08, 8 November 2024

In this Vietnamese name, the surname is Nguyễn. In accordance with Vietnamese custom, this person should be referred to by the given name, Quế.
Nguyễn Đan Quế
Born (1942-04-13) 13 April 1942 (age 82)
Hanoi, Tonkin, French Indochina
NationalityVietnamese
OccupationEndocrinologist
Known forDemocracy activism and repeated imprisonment
AwardsRobert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award (1995)
Certificate of Distinction in Civil Courage (2004)

Nguyễn Đan Quế (born 13 April 1942) is a Vietnamese endocrinologist and pro-democracy activist in Saigon. He was imprisoned from 1978 to 1988, 1990 to 1998, 2003 to 2005, and briefly in 2011 on state security charges related to his activism. In 2003, The New York Times described him as "Vietnam's most renowned dissident".

Early life

Quế was born on 13 April 1942 in Hanoi in northern Vietnam, then occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army. His family, including his mother and five siblings immigrated to Saigon after the Geneva Accords, fleeing communist rule in North Vietnam. He received an M.D. from Saigon University at age 22. In the 1960s and early 70s, he trained in Europe on a United Nations scholarship, specializing in radiotherapy.

In 1974, he joined the teaching staff at Saigon University, and the following year became the director of Cho-Ray Hospital. He had the opportunity to leave the country but chose to stay to provide medical care to the poor. However, he was removed from his post one year later for criticizing the communist regime's discriminatory health care policy. He then formed the pro-democracy group National Front for Progress. He also became Amnesty International's first member in Vietnam and began publishing two underground newspapers, "The Uprising" (Vung Day) for youth and "The People’s Uprising" (Toan Dan Vung Day) for the general public, to question the government's violations of basic human rights and to demand that the government reduce military spending and invest in the welfare of the people. In 1978, he was arrested for his continued critique of national health care policy, along with 47 associates, and imprisoned without trial; many were tortured and five died in captivity. When Quế demanded improvement in the treatment of political prisoners, he was incarcerated in a five-by-six foot cell without sanitary facilities for two months. He was sentenced for 10 years imprisonment.

1990–1998 imprisonment

Quế formed a new pro-democracy group following his arrest called the High Tide of Humanism Movement (Vietnamese: Cao Tran Nhan Ban). On 14 June 1990, he was arrested again. On 29 November 1991, after a half-hour sham trial he was sentenced to twenty years of hard labor plus five years' house arrest for treason after sending documents to Amnesty International; according to the Vietnamese national press agency, "reactionary forces used them to denigrate Vietnam" and "attempting to overthrow the people's government". Quế's family and human rights groups reported that he was assigned to hard labor despite declining health. Vietnam's foreign ministry denied the statement.

In April 1991, U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey attempted repeatedly to meet with Quế, but was refused; U.S. Senator Charles S. Robb, whose district included Quế's brother, was blocked by the Vietnamese government from meeting with Quế to bring him medicine in August 1993. Quế's case was also taken up by the European Parliament, Amnesty International, and France.

Quế was released in a 1998 general amnesty that included fellow dissident Doan Viet Hoat. Both Quế and Hoat were offered resettlement in the United States on the condition that they leave the country. Quế refused, stating that he would rather stay in prison than be forced into exile.

Later activism

Quế remained in Vietnam, and on 12 May 1999, posted a statement to the Internet advocating free elections for the National Assembly. On 17 March 2003, Quế was arrested for again after he wrote a series of articles about Vietnamese media censorship, with the regime accusing him of "espionage". On 29 January 2004, the Ho Chi Minh People's Court found him guilty of "abusing democratic rights to jeopardise the interests of the state, and the legitimate rights and interests of social organisations and citizens" and sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment. On September 22, 2004, Quế was secretly sent to a hard labor camp (gulag) in Thanh Hoa Province. However, he was granted an amnesty on 31 January 2005 for Tết, the Vietnamese New Year, along with fellow dissidents Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Dinh Huy, and Huynh Van Ba.

In mid-February 2011, Quế posted an Internet appeal for mass demonstrations in Vietnam on the model of the Arab Spring uprisings, calling on citizens to make a "clean sweep of Communist dictatorship and build a new, free, democratic, humane and progressive Vietnam". He was then detained by the authorities for "directly violating the stability and strength of the people's government". Following a raid on his home, police reported that they had found thousands of anti-government documents in his home. A government media report stated that he had been caught "red-handed keeping and distributing documents" calling for revolution. Amnesty International named him a prisoner of conscience and called for his immediate release. On 6 March 2012, former U.S. Representative Joseph Cao organized a Vietnamese-American lobbying effort for Quế, Nguyen Van Ly, Dieu Cay, and other Vietnamese political prisoners, calling on the administration of President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress to take a stronger stand on their behalf.

Awards

In 1995, Quế was given the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award by the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. The Center praised his work "promoting greater freedom of expression and human rights in Viet Nam". In 2004, he was a finalist for the US-based Civil Courage Prize, which "honors civil courage — steadfast resistance to evil at great personal risk — rather than military valor". He ultimately won a "Certificate of Distinction in Civil Courage" and a $1,000 cash prize.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Viet Nam: High cost of lifelong commitment to human rights". Amnesty International. 18 August 2004. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  2. Barbara Crossette (24 November 1991). "Vietnam Hopeful on Ties After Talks in the U.S". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  3. ^ Malcolm W. Browne (23 May 1994). "Vietnam Revisited: A periodic report.; Security Tactics in Vietnam Still Inspire Widespread Fear". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  4. Aryeh Neier (5 April 2003). "The World's Other Tyrants, Still at Work". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  5. ^ "Rallying for Democracy of Vietnam".
  6. ^ Philip Shenon (8 November 1993). "Hanoi is Accused of Abusing Critic". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  7. Philip Shenon (5 January 1992). "Reaching for the Good Life in Vietnam". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  8. ^ "Vietnam jails veteran dissident". BBC News. 29 January 2004. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  9. "Vietnamese Rights Advocate Is Said to Get 20-Year Term". The New York Times. 4 December 1991. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  10. James Webb (29 April 1991). "Our Saigon Friends Still Need Help". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  11. "Hanoi Bars a Senator's Visit With Dissident". The New York Times. 20 August 1993. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  12. ^ "World News Briefs; An Amnesty in Vietnam Includes Some Americans". The New York Times. 29 August 1998. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  13. ^ "Vietnamese dissident refuses to leave". BBC News. 29 August 1998. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  14. Seth Mydans (12 May 1993). "Vietnam: Dissident Speaks Out". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  15. ^ "Vietnam activist Nguyen Dan Que held for uprising call". BBC News. 28 February 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  16. "Vietnam to free top dissidents". BBC News. 31 January 2005. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  17. Margie Mason (28 February 2011). "Vietnam dissident detained for revolution calls". The Washington Post. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  18. "Vietnamese Authorities Must Release Dr. Nguyen Dan Que". Amnesty International. 28 February 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  19. Jonathan Tilove (7 March 2012). "Former Rep. Anh 'Joseph' Cao urges tougher line against Vietnam". The Times-Picayune. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  20. "1995: Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, Viet Nam". Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. 1995. Archived from the original on 20 June 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  21. "Civil Courage Prize". Civil Courage Prize. 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  22. "Certificates of Distinction in Civil Courage". Civil Courage Prize. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award laureates
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights laureates
Categories: