UN Concerned About Vietnam Energy Expert's Arrest After Biden's Visit
The recent arrest of Ngo Thi To Nhien, an energy expert from Vietnam, has raised concerns among the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN). This apprehension comes just days after US President Joe Biden signed business and human rights agreements during his visit to Hanoi.
On September 15th, Hanoi police took Ngo Thi To Nhien into custody. She serves as the Executive Director of the Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition (VIET), an independent think tank specializing in green energy policy, as reported by Reuters. This arrest has prompted the UN's human rights office to voice its unease.
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), expressed the organization's concerns, stating, “We are aware of the arrest and are following the developments with concern.”
Nhien's professional background is notable, as she has worked with prominent organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United States Aid Agency (USAID). Her LinkedIn profile indicates her involvement in various international and national events, including consultations organized by UNDP on the topic of energy transition.
The US embassy in Hanoi has not issued any statements regarding Nhien's arrest, despite repeated requests for comment
Over the past two years, Vietnam has detained five environmental human rights defenders on charges of tax evasion, according to an OHCHR spokesperson in June. These arrests occurred while the country was in negotiations for international funding to shift away from coal, a major energy source in Vietnam.
It's important to note that Nhien maintained a low public profile and was regarded as an expert in her field rather than an activist. The Vietnamese government has not officially commented on her arrest and has not responded to inquiries.
In addition to Nhien's arrest, Vietnam also carried out the execution of Le Van Manh, a man sentenced to death in July 2005 for charges including murder, child rape, and robbery. The European Union had called for a halt to this execution, and Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, pointed out that Manh had a compelling alibi that was disregarded during his trial.
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