Photo: VOMC Source
Y Quynh Bdap, a Christian activist and co-founder of Montagnards Stand for Justice, has long advocated for the rights of his people. As a Christian from a minority tribal group, Bdap (his given name) faced significant persecution in Vietnam. He fled the country in 2018, settling in Thailand where he sought protection as a refugee.
In June 2024, Bdap was detained by Thai authorities who claimed that he had overstayed his visa. The Vietnamese government requested his extradition, alleging that he had been convicted on terrorism charges and sentenced in absentia to 10 years' imprisonment. These charges stem from a series of protests in Vietnam during 2023, including one that resulted in the bombing of a government building. However, Bdap was outside of the country during those events and denies any involvement.
For more than a year, human rights organizations have fought to prevent the Christian man's extradition, calling for his release from detention. Vietnam has a well-documented pattern of discrimination against Montagnards – and particularly Christians – through arbitrary arrests, torture and severe restrictions on their religious freedoms.
In the fall of 2024, a Thai court ordered that Bdap be extradited to Vietnam. Although this decision was appealed, the Court of Appeals ruled on November 26th of this year to uphold the verdict. Two days later, the Christian leader was handed over to Vietnamese authorities. He now faces an unknown future in a country where followers of Jesus continue to endure harassment and mistreatment. For additional reports addressing the persecution of Christians in Vietnam, go to our country profile.
- Please pray for God's protection, strength and intervention on behalf of our extradited Christian brother as he now faces imprisonment in Vietnam.
- Also remember the many other believers in this Southeast Asian country who are suffering various forms of mistreatment for their faith, praying that God will likewise grant them courage, hope and unity in Christ despite the severe restrictions.
- Pray that the international community will continue to place pressure on the Vietnamese government, leading to justice and improved conditions – not only for Bdap, but also on behalf of the numerous other persecuted members of our Christian family who reside in that part of the world.
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