Vietnam Detains Norwegian, Australian Citizens on Terrorism Charges
Three men, including nationals of Norway and Australia, have been detained in Vietnam on allegations of terrorism, according to authorities and a pro-democracy group.
Vietnamese police have detained three men, identified as members of the U.S.-based pro-democracy group Viet Tan, on charges of terrorism. Among the detained are a Norwegian citizen and an Australian national of Vietnamese origin.
Vietnamese authorities stated that the men entered Vietnam on September 18. The Ministry of Public Security identified the individuals as Nguyen Duc Thuan, 52, Ho Pham Hiep Huy, 51, and Thai Cong Truong Son, 46. Huy was reportedly in possession of an Australian passport, and Thuan held a Norwegian passport. They are accused of forging seals and official documents.
Viet Tan, which the Vietnamese government designates as a terrorist organization, has rejected the allegations. The group stated that Thuan and Huy disappeared on September 18 while in Cambodia and accused Vietnamese authorities of "transnational repression." Viet Tan called for the immediate release of the men and urged Norway and Australia to seek direct access to them.
In Adelaide, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed his government is providing consular assistance to the Australian citizen and engaging with the family. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was making urgent inquiries with Vietnamese authorities.
Critics have accused the Vietnamese government of transnational repression, a practice involving actions taken by governments in foreign countries to target dissidents. Rights groups, including Freedom House, have noted an increase in such activities, often facilitated by cooperation or exploitation of host country institutions. Common tactics include detention, unlawful deportation, and forced return.
Last year, Thailand extradited Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap to Vietnam, despite warnings from rights groups. Bdap, accused by Vietnamese authorities of organizing anti-government riots, had been detained in Bangkok since 2024. He was convicted in absentia in Vietnam in January on terrorism charges and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights & Labour Advocates, criticized Vietnam's actions, calling Hanoi "arguably the most vicious and pernicious practitioner of transnational repression today in Southeast Asia." He urged Norway and Australia to lead a global effort to penalize Vietnam for alleged violations of international human rights law and sovereignty, and to demand the unconditional release of the detained men.