#Montagnard #IndigenousActivist arrested in #Thailand, resists being extradited to Vietnam
He was convicted in Vietnam for alleged terrorism
Written by Mong Palatino
Posted 17 July 2024
"Despite his refugee status, Indigenous activist #YQuynhBdap, who advocates for the Montagnard and #Ede Indigenous groups, was arrested on June 11 in Thailand and is currently facing deportation proceedings after the Vietnamese government sought his #extradition.
"Montagnard refers to around 30 Indigenous tribes living in #Vietnam’s central highlands, which includes the Ede ethnic group. These ethnic minorities face discrimination and violence linked to land conflicts and state-backed attacks.
"After years of being persecuted as a youth activist, Y Quynh Bdap escaped to Thailand in 2018 and was granted refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office. In 2019, he founded the Montagnards Stand for Justice (#MSFJ) which advocates for peaceful reforms and human rights protection for Indigenous communities. However, as of March 2024, the Vietnam authorities have designated the MSFJ as a #terrorist group.
"In June 2023, riots erupted in Dak Lak province which led to an attack on a government office. Six Montagnard Indigenous people were charged with terrorism in relation to this incident including Y Quynh Bdap who was tried in absentia. In January 2024, Y Quynh Bdap and his co-accused were convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison.
"MSFJ described its inclusion in the list of terrorists as an 'illogical, unjust accusation' and called out authorities for using 'false accusation to suppress religious freedom and peaceful movements.' It asserted that it is committed to peaceful reforms.
"…from the outset, MSFJ has set clear objectives to struggle through peaceful means, in accordance with the law. This is evidenced by hundreds of violation reports sent to the United Nations. It is a vivid testimony to the peaceful, compassionate spirit of this group. They dare to fight for the truth, for the rights of prisoners of conscience and oppressed people, even sacrificing themselves to cross the border to Thailand and continue to speak up for their compatriots.
"After his sentencing in January, Y Quynh Bdap was forced to restrict his movements in Thailand for fear of being arrested and sent back to Vietnam.
In a video recorded on June 7, Y Quynh Bdap maintained his innocence and defended his advocacy for the protection of Indigenous rights."