Lofgren Delighted at Cong Thanh Do’s Homecoming

Do Was Unjustly Imprisoned in Vietnam for Five Weeks

Media Contact: Jared Roscoe, 202.225.3072, jared.roscoe@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC — Rep. Lofgren (D-San Jose) enthusiastically welcomes the news that the Vietnamese government has released American citizen and San Jose resident Cong Thanh Do from prison. Do, who had been in prison since August 14, was released early this morning. The Vietnamese government imprisoned Do without any official charges.

“I am so happy that Cong Thanh Do is finally able to rejoin his family in San Jose. The Dobui family has been anxiously waiting for his safe release for many weeks, and today I share their excitement and relief.”

“Many people have generously assisted me to help secure Mr. Do’s release. I would like to thank the bipartisan team at the highest levels in Congress who have lent their support. I would especially like to thank Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Maura Harty, who worked tirelessly on this case and with whom I communicated with on a daily basis over the last many weeks.”

Early this morning, the Dobui family was contacted by Martin Opus, a consular official in Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. Opus first relayed Mr. Do’s flight info then called again to tell them Mr. Do was leaving for the airport and would call his family from his cell phone.

After learning of Mr. Do’s release, the Dobui family stated, “Thank you to everyone who helped us, especially Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and her staff. We also thank other members of Congress for their support, including Mike Honda and Loretta Sanchez. We’d also like to thank the City of San Jose, the Vietnamese American community and all those who worked to secure Cong Thanh Do’s release.” Bien Dobui added, “We’re ecstatic and feel very relieved and very anxious to see him.” His wife Jane Dobui said, “Now we can finally smile and laugh again.”