Vietnam Accused of Abducting Australian and Norwegian Activists in Cambodia
A pro‑democracy group, Viet Tan, claims that the Vietnamese government forcibly removed two of its members—an Australian and a Norwegian citizen—from Cambodia and brought them across the Thai–Vietnam border, calling the act a case of “transnational repression.”
Vietnamese authorities confirmed the arrests of Tran Hiep and Nguyen Duc Thuan, stating that the men had entered Vietnam with forged documents and were charged with membership in a terrorist organisation. They were reportedly detained at the border in Tay Ninh province on 18 September, alongside a Thai national named Cong Truong Son.
Viet Tan countered, describing the detention as a “blatant fabrication” that hides the fact the activists were abducted in Cambodia and forcibly transferred to Vietnam. The group stated the men were on a meeting in Kaoh Andaet when they vanished, and that they had no intention of entering Vietnam.
Tran’s wife, Chloe Dang, told Australian media that her husband had been planning to meet her in Bangkok before returning to Australia, but never appeared. She said he had been aware of the risks of human‑rights work but did not expect such a dramatic outcome.
The Vietnamese state media report filed on Monday detailed the men’s confession, citing membership in “Viet Tan” and intent to conduct terrorist and sabotage activities. Authorities said they remain under investigation and have been charged with belonging to a terrorist organisation.
Viet Tan condemned the move as a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and international law, arguing it constitutes a serious transnational repression. The organisation also called for an investigation into the alleged abduction.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that consular support had been provided to Tran’s family and that the Australian Government would continue engagement with the family. Human‑rights advocate Phil Robertson of Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates criticised Hanoi as a “vicious and pernicious practitioner” of transnational repression, calling the act an “unacceptable outrage.”
The Vietnamese and Cambodian governments have been contacted for comment on the incident.
