Lofgren Statement on Vietnam's Imprisonment of American Citizen Cong Thanh Do

Media Contact: Kyra Jennings, 202.225.3072, kyra.jennings@mail.house.gov

September 5, 2006

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) released the following statement today in response to the imprisonment of San Jose resident Cong Thanh Do by the Vietnamese government. Do, an American citizen, has been in custody in Vietnam since August 14, when he was detained by Vietnamese officials.

"I have been in touch with Cong Thanh Do's family and am working to ensure his safe return to America. The Vietnamese government has a track record of human rights violations against people who work to bring freedom and democracy to Vietnam through peaceful means. The Vietnamese government has now taken the unprecedented step of imprisoning a United States citizen who states that he is being held solely because of his pro-democratic, non-violent views. His incarceration is outrageous. I will do everything possible to guarantee Cong Thanh Do's prompt release," said Rep. Lofgren.