Freedom acquiring new meaning for thinking India

New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS) Freedom as an idea is no longer what it was 65 years ago when India emerged from the shackles of British domination at the stroke of midnight Aug 15, 1947. Today, it is an exercise in introspection on how much ground we have been able to cover towards being a sustainable, sovereign, fair, thinking and developed nation, as envisaged in the manifesto of a free India.

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Freedom acquiring new meaning for thinking India

FreedomWorks Presents 'Freedom Platform' For Adoption at 2012 GOP Convention

Tea party activists petition Republicans to include '12 for '12' key policy issues into party platform.WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- FreedomWorks, a grassroots service center serving more than 2 million members of the conservative movement, today released the Freedom Platform, a crowd-source proposal outlining 12 of the boldest, most important solutions for the nation in ...

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FreedomWorks Presents 'Freedom Platform' For Adoption at 2012 GOP Convention

Interview: Os Guinness Warns of Loss of Freedom in America

(Photo: InterVarsity Press)

Cover of A Free People's Suicide: Sustainable Freedom and the American Future 2012, by Os Guinness, and published by InterVarsity Press.

(Photo: The Christian Post/Hudson Tsuei)

Os Guinness, critic, international speaker and author, speaks at Lausanne III in Cape Town on Monday, Oct. 18, 2010.

August 13, 2012|8:44 am

Guinness was born in China to medical missionaries and raised in England. He holds a doctorate degree from Oriel College, Oxford, has been a guest scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies and the Brooking's Institution, and is the author of over 25 books.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Guinness talks about his new book, immigration, the role of religion in a free society, "ordered liberty," and why the tea party and Occupy Wall Street movements have more in common than you might think.

The following is an edited transcript of that interview:

CP: What was your main purpose for writing this book?

Guinness: I think the deepest issue in America is the crisis of freedom. I'm a strong believer in St. Augustine's idea that you judge a nation by what it loves supremely. And there's no question that, over many centuries, what Americans love supremely is freedom. So I think you can judge the health of a nation by the health of freedoms today.

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Interview: Os Guinness Warns of Loss of Freedom in America

Freedom Shutout Crushers to Win Series

August 12, 2012 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom Avon, OH-The Florence Freedom(42-36) got a terrific pitching performance from Andy Clark(1-0) on Sunday as they went on to shutout the Lake Erie Crushers(43-35) 1-0 at All Pro Freight Stadium. The Freedom took two out of three from the Crushers in a critical weekend series as both chase after a spot in the Frontier League's season ending playoffs.

It was an outstanding pitcher's duel between Florence's Clark and Lake Erie's Paul Fagan(7-6). Clark who pitched for the Freedom the previous three seasons was just singed prior to the start of Sunday's game. Clark took a perfect game into the 6th inning. With one out, he yielded his first hit of the day as Wally Correa doubled into left field. Clark still went 5.1 innings without allowing a hit as he finished the game with seven shutout innings while giving up two hits and striking out three. He didn't walk a batter. Fagan was equally as impressive however his lone mistake came in the 7th. Kyle Bluestein led off with a double. John Malloy then got down a sacrifice bunt getting Bluestein to third base. Pierre LePage then followed by hitting a ground ball to second baseman J.C. Figueroa which scored Bluestein for the games only run.

Jorge Marban entered the game following the masterpiece by Clark. In the 8th, with the tying runner standing at third base, Marban got Brian Erie to fly out to LePage as the second baseman made the catch down the right field line in foul territory to preserve the lead. Then in the 9th, with the tying runner at first base with two outs, Marban struck out Andrew Davis to close the game. Marban collected his 6th save of the season. The Freedom finished the year 7-5 against the Crushers.

The Freedom will have Monday off before resuming their six game road trip Tuesday night in Rockford, Illinois against the RiverHawks. RHP Alec Lewis(4-7, 4.74) will start for Florence while Rockford's starter is TBA. The game can be heard starting at 7:50 on Real Talk 1160 AM and realtalk1160.com.

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Freedom Shutout Crushers to Win Series

Freedom soccer tourney set for 15th season

By: STAFF REPORTS | Morganton News Herald Published: August 11, 2012 Updated: August 11, 2012 - 6:50 PM

The Freedom High boys soccer program will play host to county rival Patton and a total of six teams from outside Burke County in the 15th annual Freedom Invitational, which will take place Monday through Thursday at the Catawba River Soccer Complex (CRSC).

One of the longest-running tournaments in western North Carolina, 2012 marks the 13th consecutive year that CRSC hosts the event. Games start on two fields at 5 and 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Patton and Alexander Central meet Monday at 5 p.m., while Freedom opens the event against South Caldwell at 7 on Monday.

Overtime periods will not be played, but ties will be broken by penalty kick shootouts for the purpose of declaring an overall champion. Wednesday and Saturday have been designated as makeup dates in the case of inclement weather.

An 12-member all-tournament team will be named, along with three individual awards: outstanding defensive player, outstanding attacking player and overall most valuable player.

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Freedom soccer tourney set for 15th season

Freedom Dominate Crushers in Series Opening Win

August 10, 2012 - Frontier League (FL) Florence Freedom Avon, OH-The Florence Freedom(41-35) put together a fourteen hit attack and registered a 9-3 win over the Lake Erie Crushers(42-34)on a chilly Friday night at All Pro Freight Stadium.

Freedom starter Brent Choban(1-1) earned his first pro victory by pitching 6 strong innings of 8 hit baseball while striking out two. The only runs he gave up was a three run double in the 6th to Daniel Bowman with the Freedom already leading at the time 9-0.

The Freedom built a 3-0 advantage against Crusher starter Eric Gonzalez(6-7) in the 3rd. Kyle Bluestein led off the inning with a single. Two batters later it was David Harris belting his 9th homerun of the season to put the Freedom ahead 2-0. Junior Arrojo who reached on an error also scored on a wild pitch in the inning.

The Freedom then put the game out of reach in the 5th. The Freedom did all of their scoring with two outs in the inning. Peter Fatse drew a walk, later stole second and scored on an RBI single by Eddie Rodriguez to make it 4-0. Then Jim Jacquot came through with an RBI single to push the lead to 5-0. John Malloy followed with a two run single for a 7-0 advantage. Bluestein and Harris also added RBI singles in the inning to give the Freedom a commanding 9-0 lead.

Harris finished the game 2-4 with 3 RBI, while Bluestein and Drew Rundle each had three hits apiece.

The Freedom and Crushers continue their series Saturday night as Florence will send LHP Andres Caceres(7-3, 4.21) to the mound. The Crushers will counter with RHP Pat Arnold(3-2,3.79) The game can be heard starting at 6:50 on Real Talk 1160 AM and realtalk1160.com.

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Freedom Dominate Crushers in Series Opening Win

Leif Ove Andsnes: Fatherhood And Freedom At The Piano

Now that pianist Leif Ove Andsnes is in his 40s, he's told himself that it's time to "grow up" and immerse himself in Beethoven. This comes at the same time that he's immersing himself in the life of his daughter Sigrid, now 2.

For Andsnes, seeing the world through Beethoven's eyes is one thing, but seeing it through the eyes of a child is something else altogether.

"I notice a kind of willingness to look for the childlike beauty in things," Andsnes said. That's something new for the pianist. He says he also feels a new kind of freedom, knowing that after a concert, "if things didn't go that well, there are more important things in life ... and sometimes that brings freedom to the music-making."

For this Fraser Studio performance at WGBH, Andsnes takes a break from Beethoven, bringing a few sparkling miniatures including the Spanish Dance No. 5 by Enrique Granados, which he used to play when he was a small boy. He also plays the three elegant waltzes, Op. 70 by Chopin. They are miniatures, too, layered with intimacy while posing as salon entertainment. These jewels must be especially attractive now for Andsnes as he endures a massive, 150-city, four-year Beethoven project.

But for Andsnes, even in the small jewels, it's the depth that pulls him in; it's about finding and exposing the drama. I was reminded of pianist Marc-Andr Hamelin's description of a car ride with Andsnes. It was a trip across Norway to the seaside village of Risr with Andsnes at the wheel, gleefully pulling over for surprise waterfalls and sudden, breathtaking visions of the Norwegian mountains. It may be a slightly stretched metaphor, but in the same sort of way, Andsnes lights up the drama in the little Spanish waltz without veering off and losing his direction.

When it comes to Chopin, Andsnes plays with a warm, full-blooded approach: no secret undercurrents, no random shifts in tempo or temperament. He's focused on the flow and nature of the waltz more than on the myriad indulgent things that one might do to a waltz with a piano.

While Beethoven and Leif Ove Andsnes make their way around the world, he's discovered another thing since turning 40: "I am getting more and more sure of the fact that I cannot move away from Norway."

That strong sense of home seems to deepen Andsnes in every way. You can tell in the tenderness and detail he brings to his final selection: the March, Op. 54, No. 2 from fellow Norwegian Edvard Grieg.

Video production by Greg Shea, WGBH

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Leif Ove Andsnes: Fatherhood And Freedom At The Piano

Freedom Group Names Jonathan K. Sprole General Counsel

MADISON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Freedom Group, Inc. (FGI), the firearms industry leader with brands including Remington Arms, Bushmaster, DPMS and Marlin, has named Jonathan K. Sprole as its General Counsel. Sprole, an avid upland bird hunter and clays shooter, comes to FGI from Versa Capital Management, LLC, a private equity firm with more than $1billion of assets under management, where he was General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer. Hewill oversee FGI legal strategies and initiatives as well as manage Litigation, Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, SEC, Government Affairs, contracts and other legal matters.

Previously Sprole was Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). He also served as the BMS Chief Compliance Officer and sat on the Management Executive Committee. Prior to BMS, Sprole held numerous legal positions at GE Capital Corporation (GE) including General Counsel and Managing Director of GE Equity and Corporate Finance.

This is a tremendous hire for the Freedom Group Family of Companies, said George Kollitides, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FGI. I spent nearly a decade of my professional life working with Jon and have known him for more than 20 years I know his leadership, intellect and determination first hand. His ability to provide key counsel and strategic advice across a wide range of brands and issues is unparalleled by anyone in the field. Moreover, his expertise in areas of compliance and quality control are particularly strong. Jon is exactly the kind of leader we want as we advance in the global marketplace.

Jons legal and business acumen combined with his passion for the outdoors and enthusiasm for firearms make him an outstanding match for Freedom Group, said Walter McLallen, Vice Chairman of Freedom Group. Jon will be a great asset to our team, providing strong and critical leadership to our Legal, Compliance, Quality Control and Technology departments. Were very excited to have him on board.

Among Jons direct reports include recent FGI hires Catherine Wall, Associate General Counsel who joined FGI from Smith & Wesson, Corp., and Emile Buzaid, a practicing attorney from Connecticut, graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and combat veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star.

As a longtime wing and clays shooter who understands the deep roots of our nearly 200 year old Company history, I am excited for this great opportunity, said Sprole. The senior leadership of Freedom Group is dedicated to providing every aspect of the organization with the tools it needs to achieve excellence. Thats the mentality here and the mind-set of our team; more than 3,000 hard working Americans determined to be the first and the best in the field. I look forward to bringing my skill set to the table and contributing to this great American legacy.

Sprole has a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Stanford University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia.

About Freedom Group, Inc.

Freedom Group is the worlds leading innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of firearms, ammunition, and related products for the hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, and military markets. As one of the largest manufacturers in the world of firearms and ammunition, we have some of the most globally recognized brands including Remington, Bushmaster, Barnes Bullets, DPMS/Panther Arms, Marlin, H&R, Parker, Mountain Khakis, AAC, PARA USA, and Dakota. The Company distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 80 foreign countries. More information about the Company can be found at http://www.freedom-group.com.

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Freedom Group Names Jonathan K. Sprole General Counsel

Press freedom group criticizes Oman

Wild bees sting Texas man more than 300 times Wild bees sting Texas man more than 300 times A 40-year-old warehouse worker has been stung more than 300 times after accidentally disturbing a massive colony of Africanized bees in Central Texas. A 40-year-old warehouse worker has been stung more than 300 times after accidentally disturbing a massive colony of Africanized bees in Central Texas. 1,000-plus file claims against California refinery 1,000-plus file claims against California refinery More than 1,000 people blaming this week's California refinery fire for sore throats and other ailments are asking an attorney to help them get a payout for their suffering from Chevron Corp. More than 1,000 people blaming this week's California refinery fire for sore throats and other ailments are asking an attorney to help them get a payout for their suffering from Chevron Corp. 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Police: Pa. man made 911 call during drug deal Police: Pa. man made 911 call during drug deal Police say a northeastern Pennsylvania man accidentally dialed 911 during a drug deal, leading to the entire conversation being recorded and his subsequent arrest. Police say a northeastern Pennsylvania man accidentally dialed 911 during a drug deal, leading to the entire conversation being recorded and his subsequent arrest. Ernesto skirting coast on way to flood-prone area Ernesto skirting coast on way to flood-prone area Tropical Storm Ernesto skirted along Mexico's far-southern Gulf coast early Thursday, passing among some of the country's offshore oil wells while building again toward hurricane strength before landfall in a... Tropical Storm Ernesto neared a collision with Mexico's flood-prone southern Gulf coast Thursday after hurling rain across the Yucatan Peninsula but causing little major damage. 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Zimmerman will seek 'stand your ground' hearing Zimmerman will seek 'stand your ground' hearing Attorneys for the neighborhood watch volunteer charged in the death of an unarmed teen say they'll seek a "stand your ground" hearing that could lead to criminal charges being dismissed. Attorneys for the neighborhood watch volunteer charged in the death of an unarmed teen say they'll seek a "stand your ground" hearing that could lead to criminal charges being dismissed. Identity twist in NYC hammer attack on tourist? Identity twist in NYC hammer attack on tourist? There may be an identity twist in the case of a man charged with abruptly beating a stranger in the head with a hammer in a New York City park. When a Spanish tourist was abruptly pummeled in the head by a hammer-wielding stranger on a park bench last week, there seemed to be little mystery about who attacked him - a suspect was arrested nearby and confessed,... 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MUSCAT, Oman (AP) - An international press freedom organization has criticized Oman for convicting 20 activists, including prominent bloggers, on charges of illegal assembly and of insulting the nation's ruler.

The cases are part of wider crackdowns against protesters and online activists in the Arabian Peninsula country, which has seen growing calls for more political openness after last year's unrest inspired by the Arab Spring.

Reporters Without Borders said Thursday it "vigorously protests" the sentences handed out this week. It also called on Oman to throw out the verdicts.

The group says a dozen activists were sentenced Wednesday to a year in prison for illegal assembly and for defaming the sultan. Eight were imprisoned for a year on Monday for defaming the sultan. All 20 were also fined up to 1,000 riyals ($2,601).

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Press freedom group criticizes Oman

Freedom honour for GB cycle coach

8 August 2012 Last updated at 13:36 ET

Team GB's cycling director has been offered the freedom of a Derbyshire borough in recognition of his achievements at London 2012.

Dave Brailsford, who lives in Ilkeston, has been credited with masterminding the cycling team's 12 medals at the Olympics.

The honour also recognises his role in Bradley Wiggins's Tour de France win.

Erewash Borough Council has only ever presented the award once, to the Mercian Regiment in 2007.

Councillor Chris Corbett, the leader of the authority, said: "On behalf of all the residents of Erewash, we want to show Dave how proud we are of his and his team's success.

"A freedom of the borough award is very rarely bestowed on anyone and must only be awarded to someone who has achieved something outstanding."

If Mr Brailsford, who was born in Derby but grew up in north Wales, accepted the honour he will receive an ornate scroll and casket and a medal.

Mr Corbett said he expected unanimous support for the move when it goes to a vote at a meeting in October.

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Freedom honour for GB cycle coach

Freedom of Stirling for Murray?

9 August 2012 Last updated at 08:43 ET

Calls have been made for Olympic gold medal winner Andy Murray to be given the Freedom of Stirling.

Dunblane's MSP, Keith Brown, has written to Stirling Council asking them to consider giving the tennis player the honour.

He congratulated the 25-year-old on his victory over Roger Federer at the London games, calling it a fantastic result.

He said everyone in Dunblane would be proud of the victory.

Mr Brown said: "It's been a hundred years since any member of Team GB has won a singles gold in tennis at the Olympics and I am delighted that Andy's hard work and training has paid off and resulted in double medal success.

"This is an achievement which should be recognised locally and I have written to Stirling Council to ask them to consider giving Andy the Freedom of the City."

A spokesperson for Stirling Council said the authority was considering the request.

Andy Murray's victory has already been commemorated in Dunblane, the Royal Mail have painted a post box gold to honour the occasion.

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Freedom of Stirling for Murray?

Freedom Steel Announces Newest Hires

Freedom Steel is pleased to announce the addition of their two newest employees. Project Manager Saul Goldenberg is a hardworking veteran in the sales industry and is excited to prove himself around an already established team. He has been involved in the field of sales for over 30 years and more specifically in the structural steel industry for 11 years.Delray Beach, Florida (PRWEB) August 09 ...

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Freedom Steel Announces Newest Hires

Russia's punk rock band say nobody can steal their inner freedom

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Members of the Pussy Riot punk band likened themselves to Soviet-era dissidents on Wednesday, saying their trial for performing an anti-Kremlin stunt on a cathedral altar was unjust, but that nobody could take away their inner freedom. To occasional bursts of applause from supporters, the three women were making their last pleas before a court rules whether they are guilty of ...

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Russia's punk rock band say nobody can steal their inner freedom

Madonna Urges Freedom for Anti-Putin Punk Band at Moscow Concert

Apple Temporarily Suspends Apple ID Password Resets Via Phone

By Henry Meyer - 2012-08-08T08:38:46Z

Camera Press/Ria Novosti via Redux

Members of the Pussy Riot, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, left, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich during the hearings on the merits on their case in Moscow's Hamovniki Court.

Madonna appealed for the freedom of three members of an all-female Russian punk band, on trial for a protest against Vladimir Putin in the countrys main Orthodox Christian cathedral.

I think that these three girls -- Masha, Katya, Nadya --I think that they have done something courageous, the pop star said in footage of her Moscow concert last night posted on the Ekho Moskvy radio stations website. They have paid a price for this act. I pray for their freedom.

The U.S. government has condemned the prosecution of the Pussy Riot band members, who have been declared prisoners of conscience by Amnesty International. Music stars including Peter Gabriel and Sting have rallied to their defense. Pussy Riot performed what they called a punk prayer in February inside Moscows Christ the Savior cathedral, targeting Putin who extended his 12-year rule in presidential elections in March.

Prosecutors yesterday demanded a three-year prison sentence for Maria Alekhina, 24, Ekaterina Samutsevich, 29, and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, who are on trial for hooliganism and inciting religious hatred.

The three defendants, who were among five Pussy Riot band members who staged the performance in masks and skimpy dresses, face a maximum of seven years in prison under the Russian criminal code.

Yoko Ono yesterday called for the young womens release on her Twitter Inc. account. Mr. Putin, you are a wise man & dont need to fight with musicians and their friends. Keep space in prison for serious criminals, John Lennons widow said.

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Madonna Urges Freedom for Anti-Putin Punk Band at Moscow Concert

Freedom Hawk Kayaks Enters Stand Up Paddleboard Fishing Market with New Predator Fishing SUP

Freedom Hawk Kayaks and VEC Surfboards have introduced the first stand up paddleboard for the SUP fishing market designed by East Coast fisherman and surfers. Born from a shared passion for the water, the two Massachusetts-based sporting outfits have formed a unique partnership to manufacture and market the best paddleboard specially designed for stand up fishing in all types of water. ...

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Freedom Hawk Kayaks Enters Stand Up Paddleboard Fishing Market with New Predator Fishing SUP

Freedom to Read Foundation unveils new website, blog

CHICAGO — The Freedom to Read Foundation ( FTRF ) — the First Amendment legal defense organization affiliated with the American Library Association — is unveiling of its new website . The site — which retains the URL http://www.ftrf.org — is a significant upgrade for the organization and will enhance the online experience for FTRF members, donors, grant and award applicants and those who want to know ...

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Freedom to Read Foundation unveils new website, blog

FREEDOM TOWNSHIP: Layher defeats Siler in treasurer race

In Freedom Townships only contested primary election race, Rudy Layher defeated Ken Siler 139 to 67 for treasurer Tuesday, according to unofficial election results.

Im delighted, Layher said. Im just so glad and I look forward to working with everyone. Im happy I can be part of the township and hopefully I can give something back to the township.

Layher is a farmer with a Bachelors degree in agricultural engineering technology from Michigan State University.

He recently listed his key issues for the township as control of fiscal matters, practicing fiscal responsibility protecting the taxpayer and dealing with issues without increasing the township tax burden unnecessarily and preserving Freedom Townships rural heritage.

All other Freedom Township board races were uncontested.

Dale Weidmayer received 191 votes for supervisor, the position he currently holds.

Jennifer Alexa received 176 votes for clerk, also her current position.

Current trustees Dennis Huehl and Daniel Schaible earned 162 and 168 votes respectively in their bids to retain their seats.

The township had a voter turnout of 24.7 percent with 292 ballots cast.

All Freedom Township candidates in the primary election were Republicans. Tuesdays winners will face Independent and write-in candidates in the November election. Continued...

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FREEDOM TOWNSHIP: Layher defeats Siler in treasurer race

Viet Nam: Halt crackdown on freedom of expression

Viet Nams government must halt its ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, Amnesty International said today after mass arrests during a peaceful protest in the capital Ha Noi.

On 5 August, authorities in the capital arrested and detained around 30 people who were peacefully protesting against Chinas territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea, known in Viet Nam as the East Sea.

Anti-corruption activist Le Hien Duc, 81, was among those rounded up, along with students and bloggers. They were held at local police stations and a so-called rehabilitation centre. All of those detained have now been released.

This is the latest blow to freedom of expression in Viet Nam, with the authorities using short term arrests as a way of intimidating those who seek to protest peacefully, said Rupert Abbott, Amnesty Internationals Researcher on Viet Nam.

The ongoing crackdown has put bloggers, writers, lawyers, labour activists, members of religious groups, farmers, business people and democracy activists behind bars, he said.

Detention of prominent bloggers

The mass arrests in Ha Noi followed news that there has been a further postponement in the trial of three well-known bloggers accused of anti-state propaganda.

The three bloggers are Nguyen Van Hai, known as Dieu Cay (the peasants pipe); former policewoman Ta Phong Tan, whose blog is called Justice and Truth; and Phan Thanh Hai, known as AnhBaSG. They are all founding members of the Free Vietnamese Journalists Club and used their blogs to promote human rights.

They are accused of conducting anti-state propaganda under Article 88 of Viet Nams Criminal Code, and face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The three bloggers are prisoners of conscience, detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression through their online writings, said Abbott.

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Viet Nam: Halt crackdown on freedom of expression