15 October 2003
The Prime Minister of Vietnam
The Honourable Phan Van Khai VP
Thu Tuong Hoang Hoa Tham
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Dear Prime Minister:
I am writing to you representing the interests of many South Australians of Vietnamese origin and to express great concerns on their behalf, regarding the house arrest and detentions of the Most Ven. Thich Huyen Quang, The Most Ven. Thich Quang Do and Ven. Thich Tue Sy, who are religious leaders with the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam.
These religious persons have arrested and subjected to arbitrary imprisonment and restrictions which are a breach of basic human rights and recognised religious freedoms afforded in many countries, with whom Vietnam have political and trading relationships
I am seeking therefore, your intervention to ensure that these religious leaders are giving the opportunity to freely practice their religion.
On behalf of the many thousands of peace loving Vietnamese people who are now Australian residents and are making valuable contributions to our society, I seek your personal involvment in this matter and appropriate action.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Hon Comm Julian F. Stefani OAM, MLC