Le My Hanh
Le My Hanh is a Hanoi-based environmental rights defender and citizen journalist. She has reported on peaceful demonstrations by central coast residents who are seeking compensation for the environmental consequences of a toxic waste spill by the Taiwanese Formosa steel plant in the central coastal waters. Through her advocacy work, Le My Hanh promotes multi-party democracy, human rights and environmental protection.
Vietnamese authorities treat human rights defenders as “enemies of the State”. In Vietnam, there is no independent, privately-run media – domestic newspapers, television and radio stations are strictly controlled by the state. Internet communication is also strictly controlled and restricted. HRDs working for accountability and democracy receive accusations of being “foreign spies or agents”, “traitors”, or “violators of public order and peace”. HRDS are also subjected to intimidation, threats, interrogation, harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention.
