A coalition of 32 rights groups has called on Thailand's Prime Minister to release Y Quynh Bdap, a Vietnamese activist facing extradition back to Vietnam on terrorism charges. Bdap, who holds United Nations refugee status in Thailand, was detained by Thai authorities in June on a Vietnamese warrant while seeking asylum in Canada. He is currently held in Bangkok awaiting extradition.
The rights groups have warned that Bdap risks torture and other human rights violations if returned to Vietnam. Bdap, co-founder of the Montagnards Stand for Justice group, fled to Thailand in 2018 to escape persecution of the Christian Montagnard minority in Vietnam.
Convicted in absentia in Vietnam for terrorism, Bdap was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly organizing anti-government riots. Despite an ongoing appeal against his extradition, a Bangkok court ruled in September for his return to Vietnam.
Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Bdap should be extradited to face legal consequences. Bdap, maintaining his innocence, emphasized his peaceful activism for human rights and religious freedom.
The joint letter from rights groups highlighted concerns over the fairness of Bdap's trial and urged Thailand, recently elected to the U.N. Human Rights Council, to uphold human rights commitments. The groups called for Bdap's release on bail to reunite with his family while his appeal is pending.
The case of Y Quynh Bdap serves as a test of Thailand's commitment to human rights, with advocates emphasizing the need for his safe resettlement in a third country for protection.
