Vietnam faces criticism for arresting climate activist as it closes clean energy deal

Vietnam faces criticism for arresting a prominent climate activist while finalizing a $15.5 billion clean energy deal.

Arrest in focus: Hoang Thi Minh Hong, founder of environmental group CHANGE VN, was detained on charges of tax evasion.
* The United Nations says Hoang is the fifth high-profile climate activist in Vietnam charged with tax evasion in the past two years.

Global concerns: Dozens of environmental and human rights groups urged world leaders to pressure Vietnam on human rights practices before sending billions of dollars for climate change and economic development.
* A global coalition of 36 civil society groups called for activists in Vietnam to participate in designing and monitoring the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Responses abroad: The US State Department is troubled by Hoang’s arrest and reiterates the importance of civil society partners like CHANGE for global challenges.
* The UN says Vietnam should release all arbitrarily detained prisoners and ensure compliance with international human rights standards.

Patterns observed: Experts suggest this is part of a larger pattern of climate activists worldwide facing retaliation for their work.
* Human Rights Watch’s Phil Robertson says Vietnam’s crackdown on civil society threatens to undermine the JETP, as there’s no one to ensure the government acts in the public’s interest.

View original article on NPR

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