West OC Times

Members of the US Congress have submitted a letter to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, requesting the release of Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap and assistance for him to resettle in a third country instead of being extradited. This information was disclosed by Kannavee Suebsang, a list-MP for the Fair Party.

The letter, signed by Michelle Steel, Luis Correa, John Moolenaar, and Chris Smith on July 26, addresses Mr. Bdap's arrest in Bangkok last month. Mr. Bdap, 32, founded Montagnards Stand for Justice, an organization advocating for religious freedom for ethnic minorities and indigenous people in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

Christian Montagnards belonging to independent house churches have faced long-standing persecution by the Vietnamese government.

Mr. Bdap has been residing in Thailand since 2018 and was granted refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He was arrested in mid-June and is currently held at Bangkok Remand Prison pending consideration of extradition.

The Criminal Court has scheduled hearings on Thursday and August 19 to hear witnesses from state prosecutors and defendants respectively.

The Vietnamese government pressed terrorism charges against Mr. Bdap following deadly riots in Dak Lak province of Vietnam in June 2023. His involvement remains unclear as he was reportedly in Thailand at that time.

Mr. Bdap's arrest occurred after he was interviewed by Canadian authorities at their embassy in Bangkok regarding his refugee status in Canada.

Mr. Kannavee emphasized the importance of protecting Mr. Bdap and other Vietnamese refugees who face serious threats to their life or freedom.

“I urge the premier to urgently take action on the matter to show leadership and understand in the context of humanitarian and human rights,” said Mr. Kannavee.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also urged the government not to deport Mr. Bdap due to concerns for his safety.

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