Vietnamese law criminalizes the right to freedom of expression.
In a release based on the report, Amnesty said that while the country had made progress in 1998, much remained to be done. Lack of access for human rights monitors means that constructive dialogue with the Vietnamese authorities remains impossible, the release said. The two were released as part of a mass amnesty to more than 5,000 prisoners in September last year, on the understanding that they would emigrate to the United States. Hoat, who spent nearly 20 years in detention, left the country, while Que remained behind and has led a reclusive life since his release. Human rights activitists have criticised Vietnam for its Administrative Detention law which allows authorities to hold people up to two years without charge.