Vietnam releases protestant pastor from hospital
A Vietnamese protestant pastor has been discharged from a psychiatric hospital, where he has spent the past 12 months.
Than Van Truong, 46, was released after a year of compulsory treatment, according to the AFP news agency.
He was sent to the hospital after doctors officially diagnosed him as suffering from delusion.
However, Lawyer Nguyen Van Dai says Mr Truong does not suffer from mental illness.
The pastor is a member of the Baptist General Conference house church organisation.
Human rights groups have accused Vietnam's government of stepping up its crackdown against religious freedom.
Hanoi bans independent religious associations and only permits religious activities by officially-recognised churches and organisations whose governing boards are approved and controlled by the ruling Communist Party.
ABC Radio Australia - September 19, 2005.
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