Nine jailed in Vietnam for 'sabotaging national unity'
Vietnam is reported to have handed jail sentences ranging from 18 to 30 months to nine members of ethnic minority groups it has
accused of actions against the state, including sabotaging national unity.
The official Vietnam News Agency says the nine organised a branch of "Dega Protestanism" in the central highland province of Gia
Lai in April 2001, eventually recruiting 70 followers.The name of the Christian sect refers to a group Hanoi says is seeking to set up
a breakaway Dega state in the highlands.
Vietnam only recognises six religions, including a state-sanctioned form of Protestanism. All others are considered illegal and
subject to punitive action .
ABC Radio Australia News - July 2, 2003
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