A blogger in Vietnam, who was recently detained due to his plan to distribute anti-China t-shirts and allegedly over his anti-communist stand, was released Sunday according to Hanoi police.
Bui Thanh Hieu, a high-profile critic of the communist party, confirmed that he planned to print and distribute t-shirts opposing China's involvement in an illicit mining scheme and claims over disputed islands in the South China Sea.
Hieu's blog, "Nguoi Buon Gio," or Wind Trader expresses disapproval of government policy on issues such as China policy and Catholic Church land disputes.
In addition, Hieu said that Pham Doan Trang, a journalist from the VietnamNet -- a popular media organization, was also been released but no confirmation from authorities has been made as of this writing.
According to Hanoi police the reason for Hieu's released was "the cancellation of preventative measures."
However, reports revealed that the release may relieve pressure over human rights violation from the international community. Incidentally, Communist Party chief Nong Duc Manh is on his way to a visit to Australia and New Zealand.
Analysts say the Party has a history of freeing high-profile political prisoners or detainees ahead of major visits.
Reuters.com reports.
