Laserfiche WebLink
VIETNAM 23 <br />Academic Freedom and Cultural Events <br />The government asserted the right to restrict academic freedom, and authorities <br />sometimes questioned and monitored foreign field researchers. Foreign academic <br />professionals temporarily working at universities in the country were allowed to <br />discuss nonpolitical topics widely and freely in classes, but government observers <br />regularly attended classes taught by both foreigners and nationals. Academic <br />publications usually reflected the views of the CPV and government. <br />In May the National Assembly distributed a draft law on higher education for <br />public comment. Critics publicly voiced concerns that the draft included an <br />extensive list of administrative constraints but did not provide universities with <br />autonomy to make basic decisions, such as what to teach and how many students to <br />admit. <br />The government continued to restrict the ability of some international and domestic <br />organizations to host conferences with international sponsorship or participation by <br />requiring government approval at least 20 days in advance. <br />The government continued to prohibit independent scientific and technical <br />organizations from publicly criticizing party and state policy. In July Thai Nguyen <br />Medical University permanently dismissed Tu Anh Tu, a medical student, for <br />engaging in activities advocating for democracy, which included reading online <br />prodemocracy articles and participating in activist movements. <br />Although the government controlled art exhibits, music, and other cultural <br />activities, artists were allowed broader latitude than in past years to choose themes <br />for their works. The government also allowed universities more autonomy over <br />international exchanges and cooperation programs. <br />b. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association <br />Freedom of Assembly <br />The law limits freedom of assembly, and the government restricted and monitored <br />all forms of public protest or gathering. Law and regulation require persons <br />wishing to gather in a group to apply for a permit, which local authorities may <br />issue or deny arbitrarily. In practice only those arranging publicized gatherings to <br />discuss sensitive matters appeared to require permits, and persons routinely <br />