Cablegate: Gvn Releases Le Quoc Quan

VZCZCXRO7977
RR RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHHI #1131 1690844
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 180844Z JUN 07
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5678
INFO RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH 3268
RHEHNSC/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS HANOI 001131

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/MLS AND DRL/AWH
NSC FOR KURT TONG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV VM
SUBJECT: GVN RELEASES LE QUOC QUAN

REF: HANOI 1112

1. (SBU) On Saturday morning, June 16, the GVN released attorney,
political activist, and former Reagan-Fascell Fellow Le Quoc Quan
from detention in Hanoi. He joined his family the same day. Quan
contacted Poloff by e-mail on Sunday, June 17 and told him that he
had "lost weight" and was "tired" but that his mind was "in good
condition."

2. (SBU) According to Quan, he is "out on bail" and must still "work
with the police" under his release order. MFA had told us earlier
that Quan would be released under "Administrative Reprimand." Post
will seek clarification about any post-release restrictions placed
on his activities. Quan thanked Embassy Hanoi for all its efforts
in securing his release and expressed his desire to keep in
contact.

3. (SBU) Background: Le Quoc Quan was detained on March 8, 2007,
under suspicion of violating Article 79 of the Penal Code, which
covers "crimes of infringing upon national security," including
"carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the people's
administration." Quan had recently returned from the United States,
where he was a NED Reagan-Fascell Fellow.

ALOISI

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