UN calls on Vietnam to release blogger Nguyễn Chí Tuyến after ruling of arbitrary detention

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) has determined that the imprisonment of prominent Vietnamese blogger and activist Nguyễn Chí Tuyến constitutes arbitrary detention, in breach of international human rights law.

The finding was made public on 15 December 2025, following a petition submitted in December 2024 by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), which documented the unlawful nature of Tuyến’s detention and the broader suppression of freedom of expression in Vietnam.

Tuyến, widely known by his online alias Anh Chí, was arrested in February 2024 for his outspoken criticism of government corruption and advocacy for democratic reform through digital platforms including YouTube. The WGAD concluded that his arrest, detention, and conviction lacked legal justification and were solely based on his peaceful expression of political views.

The UN group has called for Tuyến’s “immediate and unconditional” release and urged Vietnamese authorities to investigate those responsible for violating his rights. It also recommended that full reparations, including compensation, be provided in accordance with international law.

Nguyễn Chí Tuyến has long been a vocal critic of government misconduct and a prominent civil society figure. In addition to his blogging and social commentary, he co-founded the No-U Football Club, a symbolic initiative protesting territorial incursions by China in the South China Sea.

In recognition of his efforts, the Vietnam Human Rights Network awarded Tuyến the 2025 Vietnam Human Rights Award, citing his steadfast commitment to the promotion of democratic values and civil liberties.

Despite years of harassment, surveillance, and physical assaults, Tuyến continued his advocacy until his arrest without warrant in early 2024. He was later charged under Article 117 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, which criminalises the dissemination of content deemed to oppose the state.

In August 2024, following more than five months in pretrial detention and a partially closed trial, Tuyến was sentenced to five years in prison.

Human rights advocates argue that Article 117 lacks legal clarity and is used to suppress dissent. HRF International Legal Associate Caitlin Triplett stated that “Vietnam routinely uses Article 117 to silence dissent and arbitrarily detain the few remaining journalists, bloggers, and activists who oppose the regime.”

She added, “Without a clear definition of what it means to oppose the state, Vietnam can essentially criminalise any form of criticism, as the UN Human Rights Committee has noted.”

Commenting on the UN's ruling, Triplett said it “unequivocally affirms that Nguyễn Chí Tuyến is being punished solely for his peaceful advocacy, and that the regime’s actions blatantly violate its international human rights obligations.”

The HRF described the decision as a clear rebuke of Vietnam’s ongoing crackdown on dissent. It called on the international community to increase pressure on Hanoi to comply with its obligations under international law and to release all prisoners of conscience.

Tuyến’s case reflects broader concerns over freedom of expression in Vietnam, where authorities continue to jail critics and limit civic space. Civil society organisations have raised alarm over the increasing use of vaguely worded national security laws to target peaceful activism.

HRF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tuyến and other detained activists. “The ruling sends a clear message to authoritarian regimes: imprisoning peaceful voices like Tuyến’s will not go unchallenged,” said Triplett.