In a Mennonite World Conference news release from Strasbourg, France, we learn that two brothers who have recently been released, Nguyen Huu Nghia, 24, and Nguyen Thanh Nhan, 22, have reported on the treatment they received in prison.

The brothers have spoken out about the battering they suffered, both at the hands of corrections officers and of other prisoners who received food and cigarettes as rewards for beating up the young Mennonites.

Both men reported savage beatings and kicking over all parts of their bodies from the moment of their arrests. The abuse often continued until they fainted or lapsed into convulsions. Splashes of cold water revived them, and the beatings continued. They were denied adequate food and water and did not receive the warm clothes their families brought for them.

You may read the full article in the news section of the Mennonite World Conference website.

Another Mennonite World Conference release notes that the plight of Le Thi Hong Lien, a 21-year-old Vietnamese Mennonite teacher in prison since her arrest in June 2004, has captured the attention of Amnesty International.

Ms. Lien is reportedly suffering from severe mental illness in the prison infirmary at Chi Hoa Prison, Ho Chi Minh City. Her condition is said to be deteriorating, and she is being denied access to the treatment she needs.

Read more about Ms. Lien in the news section of the Mennonite World Conference website.

Appeals for Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang and Pham Ngoc Thach, two of the imprisoned Mennonite church leaders, will be heard on February 2.

At their November 12 trial, Thach and Quang were sentenced to two and three years in prison respectively on charges relating to resisting officers of the law doing their duty.

In a telephone conversation on January 15, a Mennonite leader urged the international faith community to contact the government and the court on behalf of Quang and Thach before February 2, requesting that the hearings be open and that members of the church be permitted to attend.

International appeals on behalf of Ms Lien, that she receive medical treatment and that she be released, should be sent immediately to the Office of the Prime Minister in Vietnam. Appeals on behalf of Quang and Thach should also be sent immediately to the Prime Minister as well as to the Ministry of Justice. You may find these addresses, and the full story, at http://www.mwc-cmm.org/News/MWC/050118rls1.html.

EMM asks that you be respectful yet direct in all of your communication.

All Mennonite World Conference stories were written by Ferne Burkhardt, Mennonite World Conference news editor.