20-9-2023 (HANOI) Vietnamese authorities have detained Ngo Thi To Nhien, the director of the Hanoi-based Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition (VIET), according to The 88 Project, an organization advocating for freedom of expression in Vietnam. Nhien, who is known for her work with international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations, was arrested on September 15. She was actively involved in the implementation plan for Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a US$15 billion G7-funded initiative aimed at reducing Vietnam’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The detention of Nhien, a respected researcher in the field of energy policy, raises concerns about the criminalization of policy research and activism by the Vietnamese government. Authorities also conducted a raid on the VIET office and interrogated its staff.
Vietnam has recently arrested several individuals involved in environmental and climate activism, including climate activist Hoang Thi Minh Hong for alleged tax evasion. There are currently close to 200 activists imprisoned in Vietnam, and government critics face various forms of repression, including intimidation and restricted movement.
Vietnam has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but these arrests and detentions raise questions about the government’s approach to environmental policy and dissent.
Separately, Vietnamese human rights lawyer Vo An Don reported that authorities lifted an exit ban that prevented him from relocating to the United States. This move coincided with President Biden’s recent visit to Hanoi, during which the United States and Vietnam agreed to enhance cooperation in response to China’s growing influence.
