After being released from the prison camps in Vietnam and returned to his home in San Jose, California, USA, in September 1998, the former political prisoner Tran Manh Quynh has been interviewed by various Vietnamese and international periodicals. Following are some highlights of his responses.

On praises of his heroic stand

"I am just a humble contributor, trying to do my small part in the collective endeavor to bring happiness to our homeland, Vietnam."

On feeling toward his captors

"If I should meet them again some day, I'll see them no different from other fellow human beings. The communist ideology and regime are my enemies; not the people."

"My goal is to end the current oppression in Vietnam; not to seek revenge. I carry no animosity against my captors."

On the ideological struggle

"I have always believed in the final victory of righteousness over barbarity, of justice over evil, of human love over animalistic instinct. I wish our people will harbor even more magnanimity and behave even more humanely to win over people's hearts. As for myself, I bear no animosity. I think our aim should be to fight against the oppressive policies, but to win over other human beings."

On his arrest

"My initial plan was to destroy the Ho Chi Minh statue in front of the Rex Cinema as an act of political protest against the symbol of this brutal regime. But after many investigations, I was worried that my plan, if carried out, would cause many deaths since the location was always crowded with people. Therefore, I decided to move my target to the Ho Chi Minh Museum. But again, this place was frequented by tourists. I convinced myself that my target was the communist symbol, not the tourists. While deciding on how to destroy the building without causing harm or injury to the people, I was arrested by Hanoi authorities. I have no regret, though, for such delay, which cost me dearly."

"I have prepared myself very carefully for the consequences, including death. So upon being arrested and during my trial and imprisonment, I was not terrified. My captors knew they could not break me down."

On treatment in prison

"I confirm that the prison guards did not torture me. They, however, treated me with coldness and roughness. They showed me no mercy. But that was the regime's policy, which they must follow. I met some younger prison guards who did show some kindness.

One time, I was so cold in solitary confinement due to undernourishment and lack of clothes, a young cadre tried to throw me a blanket through an opening in the cell door. He tried hard but could not push the blanket through. He finally gave up for fear of being caught by others. He then returned a moment later to give me a cigarette and a match. I could not recognize his face in the dark but tried to remember him by the watch on his wrist. Later on, when I tried to acknowledge him privately, he just ignored my signal, understandably out of fear. I wanted to say thank but I am sure he understood. The small gesture of kindness and humanity from this young cadre was a fire that gave me warmth and hope."

On reasons for his release

"Other political prisoners and I are just bitter medicine to the Hanoi regime...It spit us out only because it's so bitter for the regime to swallow. The release was not based on humanitarian ground. I want to reemphasize that this regime is still very oppressive, brutal and inhumane - even to their own comrades!

They (Hanoi authorities) released us because of the pressure from the world community, from our people overseas, who care and raise awareness of Hanoi's violation of human rights, and demanded for our release. Under this huge diplomatic and economic pressure, Hanoi just cave in...and release us!

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my friends, Vietnamese people, and international organizations, who have actively participated in the campaign for the release of myself and other political prisoners in Vietnam."

On action and hope for the future

"The Vietnamese overseas in the recent years have become a force to be reckoned with, have deeply influenced people inside Vietnam - even communist party members. I sincerely hope that the overseas community maintains this spirit and practice the kind of democratic principles we all wish to bring to Vietnam. Together, we will be a united force to push forth our struggle and free Vietnam.

I pledge my commitment to work with my people both inside and outside Vietnam to achieve:

- An unconditional release of all political prisoners in Vietnam, and
- A free, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam."