Vietnam Buddhist Case Shows Suppression: Watchdog

October 19, 2009

Author: Ian Timberlake

Source: The Buddhist Channel

Wire Service: AFP

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=55,8624,0,0,1,0

The forced expulsion of more than 300 followers of one of the world's most influential Buddhists highlights Vietnam's suppression of religious freedom, Human Rights Watch said Monday.

"The government views many religious groups, particularly popular ones that it fears it can't control, as a challenge to the Communist Party's authority," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director of the US-based watchdog.

It said that late last month more than 100 "thugs and undercover police" armed with sticks and hammers broke down doors at the Bat Nha monastery and forcefully evicted 150 monks who follow Thich Nhat Hanh.