Friends Of Viet Tan

13/05/2026

**VIET TAN DELEGATION ATTENDS DEMOCRACY CONFERENCE IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK**

On May 12, 2026, a Viet Tan delegation attended the 9th Copenhagen Democracy Summit to discuss how free nations can build a new alliance to lead in an increasingly chaotic world, witnessing the rise of authoritarian regimes and the fragmentation of international institutions.

Hosted by former NATO Secretary General and former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, the summit brought together leading figures from politics, economics, technology, and civil society, including representatives from democratic countries such as Ukraine, Taiwan, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba.

The conference opened with a speech by Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, followed by an informal meeting with Denmark's interim Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Ukrainian presidential advisor Oleksandr Kamyshin presented the current situation and Ukraine’s efforts to establish a just peace.

A session organized by the World Freedom Congress focused on how the international democratic community can better address the priorities identified by activists and opposition leaders working in the field under authoritarian regimes. A recent survey of members confirmed that the most urgent needs within the network are emergency aid, legal support, resettlement assistance, election preparation, and specific solidarity for activists facing repression.

During this session, the Human Rights Foundation presented the Tyranny Tracker ranking, classifying countries worldwide into three categories: fully authoritarian, semi-authoritarian, and democratic. The ranking is based on three pillars:

**Pillar 1: Electoral Competition**
Electoral competition refers to the extent to which the ruling government prevents opposition parties or candidates from competing on a level playing field. This pillar focuses on national elections, particularly those for the executive and legislative branches, and whether electoral conditions provide equal opportunities for opposition parties or candidates. Elections are seen as a crucial factor of democratic governance, as they provide institutional mechanisms for competition that allow for peaceful power transfers and reflect voters' ability to hold the ruling government accountable.

**Pillar 2: Freedom of Protest**
Freedom of protest refers to the extent to which the ruling government suppresses the ability of independent media, political leaders, civil society representatives, organizations, and citizens to express dissent. This pillar addresses political repression regarding freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and association. The term "dissent" is broadly understood to encompass any form of expression considered a challenge to the current government. It can be a deliberate act or provoked by repressive circumstances. Dissenters can include journalists, activists, and protesters, but also artists, scholars, lawyers, religious leaders, or anyone deviating from authoritarian norms or values. Freedom of protest is deemed essential to ensure diverse political participation.

**Pillar 3: Institutional Accountability**
Institutional accountability refers to the extent to which the ruling government extends its institutional powers repressively. This pillar focuses on mechanisms through which judicial independence, legislative oversight, and administrative autonomy are undermined. As the foundation for addressing governance issues between election cycles, these institutions allow for horizontal accountability through the ability to sanction abuses of power by the ruling government. The removal of accountability and law enforcement—central elements of internal and inter-institutional accountability—is the focus of this pillar, drawing attention to their legal capacity, independence, and autonomy.

Given this ranking, it is no surprise that Vietnam is classified as a fully authoritarian country.

27/04/2026

BLACK APRIL COMMEMORATION IN SAN DIEGO

On 25 April 2026, the Vietnamese community in San Diego gathered at the International Cottages, Balboa Park, for a solemn Black April commemoration.

Community members and representatives of various organisations came together to remember the painful losses after 1975 and to honour those who sacrificed for freedom.

A special feature this year was the model of the Biên Hòa Military Cemetery, the resting place of more than 16,000 soldiers who gave their lives for South Vietnam and the ideal of freedom.

More than half a century later, remembrance is not only about looking back. It is also a reminder to continue preserving and defending the values for which previous generations sacrificed.

27/04/2026

AS LONG AS THE VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE LIVES, VIETNAM LIVES

A heartwarming photo of students from Vietnamese language schools taking part in the 2026 Tết Parade in Southern California.

For many decades, Vietnamese language programs for young Vietnamese overseas have been lovingly maintained and have grown more professional over time. This is a precious and meaningful effort.

Thank you to the parents who continue to preserve Vietnamese culture in a foreign land.

Thank you to the teachers who pass on not only the Vietnamese language, but also the humane, moral and cultural values of the free Vietnam before 1975.

And thank you to the children who, despite their busy school lives, still happily learn Vietnamese language and culture, keeping their roots alive.

As long as the Vietnamese language lives, the Vietnamese community overseas will continue to carry Vietnam in their hearts.

And one day, when our homeland is free from communism, these young generations will help rebuild a free, humane and beautiful Vietnam.

27/04/2026

27/04/2026

A Meaningful Day in Berlin

On 25 April 2026, Vietnamese democracy supporters and friends of Vietnam gathered in Berlin to commemorate 30 April, a tragic turning point in Vietnam’s history.

Under the bright April sun, with the Freedom Flag flying proudly, we came together to remember the suffering caused by communist rule and to renew our hope for a free and democratic Vietnam.

The road ahead remains difficult, but giving up is not an option. Every generation of patriots has helped pave the way for freedom. Their courage and sacrifice are never meaningless.

It was also a day of friendship, solidarity and warm reunion with familiar faces who continue to stand for Vietnam.

The struggle against evil and the work of building what is good are never in vain.

26/04/2026

“The General”: When Truth Becomes Action in Brisbane

On 19 April 2026, the documentary The General: Vietnam in the Age of To Lam was screened at Readings Cinema in Brisbane, Queensland.

The film exposed the reality of Vietnam’s police-state system under Tô Lâm, including political repression, surveillance, transnational repression, and the silencing of dissenting voices.

The screening deeply moved the audience. Many stayed behind to share their reflections and sign a petition calling on the Australian Government to urge Vietnam to release prisoners of conscience.

For many people, The General was more than a documentary. It was a reminder that truth must be heard, remembered, and turned into action for freedom, dignity, and justice in Vietnam.

26/04/2026

From the Strait of Hormuz to Vietnam’s Future

The Strait of Hormuz reminds us that a narrow sea route can affect the entire world. When one strategic chokepoint is threatened, global energy, trade, and security are immediately shaken.

For Vietnam, this is an important lesson. With more than 3,200 kilometres of coastline and a position near one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, Vietnam has a natural strategic advantage.

Instead of chasing empty slogans about becoming a “high-tech nation” without the right foundation, Vietnam needs a serious maritime strategy: deep-water ports, logistics, shipping, offshore energy, and maritime security.

The 21st century may be the century of the oceans. The question is whether Vietnam has the vision and courage to become a true maritime nation.

26/04/2026

VIET TAN ATTENDS AND LAYS WREATH AT THE ANZAC CEREMONY IN SYDNEY**

During the significant ANZAC ceremony held at Cabra Vale Memorial Park on April 25, 2026, the Viet Tan delegation respectfully laid a wreath in memory of the fallen Australian soldiers.

Before April 30, 1975, Australia was an ally of the Republic of Vietnam. In the fight against communism and to protect the freedom of Southern Vietnam, the Australian Army suffered 521 casualties, with over 3,000 personnel and civilian specialists injured.

In addition to military involvement, Australia also helped Southern Vietnam build public healthcare systems and clean water supply in many urban areas.

After successfully preventing the widespread outbreak of communist movements in Southeast Asia, allied nations gradually withdrew their troops from Vietnam.

Australia officially participated in the Vietnam War from 1962 until the end of 1972.

LEST WE FORGET

22/04/2026

**Saturday, April 18 – SBTN Studio, Southern California**

The film screening “The General – Vietnam in the Era of To Lam” was held alongside a dinner to honor contributions to the development of the Vietnamese community in California.

It was heartwarming to reconnect with familiar faces from various fields: education, commerce, media, and the arts.

Attendees included university professors, students, Vietnamese language teachers, award-winning journalists and documentary filmmakers, as well as Vietnamese elected officials, from school board members to city council members. Some were deans of community colleges, while others held positions as vice presidents at universities.

Here are a few reflections following the screening:

A Vietnamese university professor said, “We should develop a curriculum based on this film.”

An award-winning documentary filmmaker remarked, “This is an important film. Please send me the information about the screening next weekend...”

A female entrepreneur in the healthcare sector stated, “The film is excellent and meaningful. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn things I had never known.”

Many expressed interest in having additional screenings to introduce the film to friends and family.

Some attendees planned to bring the film to universities and Vietnamese language schools.

A journalist trained by the BBC expressed interest in joining the advisory team for the next film project.

Others suggested developing the film into a series.

After the screening, a group of educators gathered at a dining table to share their feelings about the opening song, which evoked nostalgia for a peaceful Saigon before the era of authoritarian and military rule.

A magazine editor shared that the film rekindled her passion for journalism, dedicating her work to those oppressed in Vietnam.

During the Q&A session with the co-director, a young attendee asked about the current protest movement in the country. The co-director shared that, despite strong oppression, small actions are quietly accumulating into a wave. She believes in the collective strength and resilience of the people.

It was truly valuable for attendees to connect, to come together for a meaningful cause, and to share smiles with those who have caring hearts and a desire to contribute.

D**g Xanh
Fb VT

16/04/2026

Adelaide ✅ Sydney ✅ Melbourne ✅ Perth ✅
Next screening: BRISBANE

After packed houses across the country, we are thrilled to announce that “The General” is making its way to Brisbane for an exclusive screening. 🎥✨

We’ve taken The General all over Australia—from Adelaide to Perth—and now we’re finally bringing it to Brisbane! 🎬
Join us at Reading Cinemas DFO Jindalee - 16 amazons Place, Brisbane 4074
When: Sunday 19.04.2026 at 3:00PM
Free Admission
See you at the movies! 🍿

16/04/2026

From Surveillance to Censorship: A System Built on Control

In Vietnam, control is no longer subtle.
It is systematic.

Under To Lam, surveillance is not just a tool it is a strategy. Online spaces are monitored.
Voices are tracked.
Dissent is identified early… and removed.
Posts disappear.
Accounts are restricted.
People are questioned not for crimes, but for opinions.

This is not about “security.”
This is about control.
And censorship?
It no longer needs to be enforced.

Because fear does the job.

When people know they are being watched, they begin to silence themselves.
Not because they agree
but because they are afraid.

This is how a society is controlled:
not only by what is forbidden,
but by what people no longer dare to say.

Vietnam is not just facing censorship.
It is being conditioned into silence.

And silence… is exactly what those in power depend on.
The real question is:
How long will people accept it?

TC
16/04/2026