Letter of Appreciation from Dr. Nguyen Dan Que

The Committee on Human Rights (CHR) is pleased to share the letter below which we recently received from Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, a Vietnamese medical doctor. The CHR, its correspondents, and many participants in the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies repeatedly intervened in Dr. Que’s behalf during his eight years of incarceration and since his release from prison in August 1998. Dr. Que is now at home in Saigon but, according to reliable information received by the CHR, he remains under constant police surveillance, his computer has been confiscated, his telephone is frequently disconnected, and his family members have been questioned about his activities. Dr. Que’s personal identity papers, educational diplomas, and medical license have not been returned to him.

February 2, 2000

Dear Dr. Torsten Wiesel,

I am happy to inform you that the Vietnamese communist authority have partially loosened restrictions on my telephone line. This is a favorable step any way and we hope it gradually becomes better and better.

We would like to ask you to convey my greetings and grateful thanks to all HR activists of the Institute of Medicine, the National Academy of Science, the National Academy of Engineering and particularly you for your precious interventions in easing my personal situation.

I hope that you all continue to support us on the long arduous struggle for Human Rights and Democratization process of Vietnam.

God bless us.

With our best regards and wishes.

Sincerely yours,