Vietnam: Church raided, congregation beaten and 14-year-old arrested

A 14-year-old Christian has been arrested in Vietnam amid a series of government crackdowns on Christians following a US delegation's visit to the country.

President Barack Obama reviews the guard of honour during welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam Reuters

A local church close to the Vietnam-China border was stormed by 30 government authorities on June 13, according to International Christian Concern (ICC).

During the raid, multiple churchgoers were beaten and two were arrested, including a 14-year-old.

The priest was interrogated and authorities attempted to make him sign a statement saying the church's activities were a danger to security and disrupted the community.

The incident came almost a week after UN Officials condemned the alleged torture and arrest of the wife of an imprisoned Vietnamese pastor.

Tran Thi Hong, the wife of Pastor Mguyen Cong Chinh, was reportedly detained and tortured on April 14 by local authorities, in an attempt to gain information about a meeting with the US Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, David Saperstein.

A US delegation, including President Obama, visited Vietnam between May 23-25, and the US lifted the weapons embargo between the two countries.

"It is appalling to see the actions by the Vietnamese government against its Christian population both before and after the President's visit. In an effort to bring forth a new chapter in US-Vietnamese relations, the President lifted the weapons embargo between the two nations in hopes of a better future," said ICC's regional manager for South Asia, William Stark.

"Unfortunately, the President relinquished the last major bargaining chip the United States had to use with Vietnam regarding their deplorable human rights record. These recent attacks on the church and the arrest and torture of an imprisoned pastor's wife shows the true colors of Vietnam's leadership."

related articles
Vietnam: Wife of detained pastor 'beaten and tortured' by local authorities

Vietnam: Wife of detained pastor 'beaten and tortured' by local authorities

Report: Religious freedom under \'serious and sustained assault\' around the world
Report: Religious freedom under 'serious and sustained assault' around the world

Report: Religious freedom under 'serious and sustained assault' around the world

The forgotten persecuted: 7 countries that abuse religious freedom

The forgotten persecuted: 7 countries that abuse religious freedom

Vietnam releases dissident priest on eve of Obama visit
Vietnam releases dissident priest on eve of Obama visit

Vietnam releases dissident priest on eve of Obama visit

News
Trump forms Religious Liberty Commission to address 'emerging threats' First Amendment rights
Trump forms Religious Liberty Commission to address 'emerging threats' First Amendment rights

In a new executive action, President Donald Trump has established a new Religious Liberty Commission to bolster protections against “emerging threats” to the US’s longstanding tradition of faith-based freedoms. 

Leviticus: the joyful middle book of the Torah
Leviticus: the joyful middle book of the Torah

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on Leviticus, holiness and loving your neighbour. 

'The Light He Left Behind': Martin Scorsese unveils new documentary featuring final interview with Pope Francis
'The Light He Left Behind': Martin Scorsese unveils new documentary featuring final interview with Pope Francis

Acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese has announced a forthcoming documentary that will showcase the final on-camera interview with the late Pope Francis, capturing the pontiff’s enduring message of compassion, creativity, and cross-cultural dialogue.

5 things to know about Pope Leo XIV
5 things to know about Pope Leo XIV

Perhaps the most notable aspect of Prevost’s ascension to the papacy is his background.