Subj:	VI:10,000 rally to support uprising in VN

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Overseas Vietnamese show support for their compatriots at home in their quest to regain freedom
 and dignity.
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Little Saigon - California, USA:

In a show of force that demonstrates their unity and commitment toward the cause of freedom 
for their homeland, Vietnamese gathered by thousands in Little Saigon - a Vietnamese commercial
center in southern California - on Sunday, September 7, 1997 to support Vietnamese farmers' protests 
against the Hanoi regime in Thai Binh (50 km away from Hanoi) and in nearby provinces. The
rally was also to support other such efforts by the people inside Vietnam to demand back their rights - 
typically the defiance of the people in Xuan Loc province - home of mostly Catholics -against an order
 to curb their religious rights
An estimated crowd of more than 10,000 people (up to 15,000 by different sources) led by religious 
leaders, was marching under the summer heat with a sea of flags and slogans supporting the
people in Thai Binh, demanding democracy and freedom for Vietnam, demanding the end of the 
Hanoi dictatorship and the release of all political prisoners.

The demonstration of more than 2 hours began at 11 a.m. with two planes carrying a Freedom Flag 
and a banner "Freedom for Vietnam" in the sky, and at 12:15 p.m., four more small planes joined the
air demonstration. While on the ground, demonstrators marched and chanted their aspirations, and 
support for their compatriots at home.

Vietnamese worldwide has staged similar demonstrations and hunger strikes in support of 
Thai Binh and Xuan Loc protests - the places that now symbolize people's discontent of the Hanoi
 regime throughout Vietnam.

A glimpse around the globe:

Paris, France: a demonstration on Aug. 10 and a 3-day hunger-strike during Aug. 27-30 were held
at the Trovade'ro Square.

Little Saigon, southern California: a candle vigil was held on Aug. 16

Houston, Texas: a demonstration was held on Aug. 17

San Jose, northern California: A "Week for Thai Binh - Xuan Loc" was organized from Aug. 24 - Sept. 1, in which, people met with
U.S. officials and the media, giving them petitions urging for their attention and support.

Washington, D.C.:A demonstration before the Hanoi embassy was held on Aug. 23, 1997 by a crowd 
of 300 led by children holding a banner that said "Bravo Thai Binh uprising"

Bonn, Germany on Sept. 2: A hunger-strike and demonstration were held before the Hanoi embassy.

Many more demonstrations are to be held by the Vietnamese communities abroad in a very near future.

News of support have been sent back to Vietnam and particularly to the people of Thai Binh, Xuan Loc 
through various communication channels. The support yields two significant impacts:

1. The people inside Vietnam are encouraged by their overseas compatriots' support and that of the
 world community to rise up against dictators;

2. The Hanoi regime is discouraged from carrying out a brutal crackdown against the people once it
 is put under the glare of the world's opinion.

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Vietnam Insight (vinsight@netcom.com)
URL:  http://www.vinsight.org/
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