The Ha Noi People’s Committee has warned some clergymen of the Thai Ha Parish that they will face strict treatment according to the law if they do not stop their illegal acts.
In a dispatch 1407/UBND-NC dated Sept. 22, the People’s Committee dealt with the clergymen’s illegitimate claim to the land lot at 178 Nguyen Luong Bang Street in Dong Da District, Hanoi.
The dispatch noted that recently, a number of priests and parishioners of the Thai Ha parish had lodged petitions at Hanoi and central agencies claiming the land lot that had been managed and used by the Chien Thang Garment Joint Stock Company.
Earlier, after due investigations, the committee issued Decision 2476/QD-UB of June 30 affirming that the claim for the land area lodged by some priests and religious followers of the Thai Ha parish was groundless.
However, while the case was being dealt with, a number of clergymen of the Thai Ha parish led by the parochial vicar Vu Khoi Phung intentionally ignored the law, did not cooperate with the local authorities and committed many law-breaking acts.
The Dong Da district’s People’s Committee continued to invite some Thai Ha priests to come to its office for settling the case, but they refused to cooperate with the local authorities.
The Hanoi People’s Committee also invited Vietnam Redemptorist Provincial Superior Fr. Vincent Pham Trung Thanh, but he refused to respond.
For the above-mentioned acts, the Chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee has issued a warning against parochial vicar Vu Khoi Phung and three priests Nguyen Van Khai, Nguyen Van That and Nguyen Ngoc Nam Phong.
The committee demands that they stop their law violations immediately or face strict treatment under the law. These priests must call on parishioners to comply with the law, to bring religious pictures and statutes back to the places for worship, and not conduct illegal religious activities.
They must seriously execute State agencies’ decisions related to the case and must not release untrue and distorted information to incite parishioners to break the law.
The Vietnamese State’s policy is to respect and protect the right of religious freedom. Religious activities must be conducted within the law. Acts breaking the law and against the country’s and people’s interest will be strictly punished to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the State and people.
Related news:
Land Dispute Must be Resolved Legally, says Ha Noi
One More To Be Detained for Causing Disorder at Chien Thang Co.
Some Thai Ha Parishioners Cause Public Disorder, Two Detained
