Country of Origin: Vietnam

Main Focus: Religious Freedom, Press Freedom, Human Rights

Follow on: Youtube

Paul Trần Minh Nhật is a Vietnamese journalist and human rights activist renowned for his unwavering commitment to religious freedom and freedom of expression in Vietnam. As a Catholic and former reporter for Vietnam Redemptorist News, he has extensively covered human rights violations and advocated for democratic reforms. In August 2011, Nhật was arrested and subsequently sentenced to four years in prison under Article 79 of Vietnam's Criminal Code, accused of "carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration" due to his pro-democracy writings and participation in protests against China's policies in the South China Sea. 

During his incarceration, Nhật endured harsh conditions, including physical abuse and solitary confinement, leading him to undertake hunger strikes to protest his treatment. Following his release in August 2015, he and his family faced continuous harassment and intimidation from local authorities, including physical attacks and property destruction. 

In response to escalating threats, Nhật sought refuge in Thailand before being resettled in Canada in October 2022. Despite these challenges, he continues his activism from abroad, operating YouTube channels such as VoTV and VietPress, which have garnered significant Vietnamese audiences, to advocate for human rights and freedom of expression in Vietnam.

Nhật's experiences underscore the persistent challenges faced by human rights defenders in authoritarian regimes. His resilience and ongoing commitment to advocacy, even in exile, highlight the critical role of independent journalism and international support in promoting human rights and democratic freedoms.