José Borghino, IPA Secretary General, said: All publicly available information about this case, the charges and the process make it impossible to see this as anything but a show trial. The International Publishers Association commends Pham Doan Trang for her bravery in the face of this persecution which can only be intended to intimidate others into silence.

According to the Washington Post report, following her arrest Trang was held incommunicado until Oct. 19 this year, when she was allowed to meet with one of her lawyers. Her lawyers said she was informed of her trial date only a day before.

Pham Doan Trang’s closing statement has been published here. Her lawyers have confirmed they will appeal the judgement.

Pham Doan Trang received the 2020 IPA Prix Voltaire on behalf of Liberal Publishing House. Shortly before her arrest she prepared a video on independent publishing in Vietnam. You can see that here.