On March 17th, 2003, the Vietnamese government arrested Dr. Nguyen Dan Que. Police later searched his house and confiscated his personal computer, cellular phone, and personal papers. He is currently being held at a city prison in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dr. Nguyen Dan Que founded the non-violent group, "Movement for Human Rights", devoted to demanding human rights and multi-party systems for Vietnam. In 1990, he was tried and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Under pressure from international opinion, the Vietnamese government released him in 1998. Despite being closely watched, Nguyen published the underground magazine "Future" in 2000, which campaigned for the freedom of speech and supported imprisoned dissidents who have fought for human rights in Vietnam. While in prison, Nguyen was awarded the "Raoul Wallenberg Human Right Award" by the Human Rights Committee of the U.S. Congress in 1994, and the "Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award" in 1995. Moreover, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by several U.S. Senators and Representatives.

It is thought that Nguyen's arrest is linked to the statement he released on March 13th, 2003 in which he advocated for freedom of press in Vietnam but refuted the government's claim for freedom of information.

The arrest of Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, and the detainment of other intellectuals and professionals in Vietnam, such as Messieurs Le Chi Quang, Pham Hong Son, Nguyen Khac Toan, etc., are evidences of the violation of freedom of speech and freedom of thought by the Vietnamese government. The continuing repression and imprisonment of intellectuals who peacefully express their opinions are anti-democratic, and a violation of human rights. These actions clearly contradict the International Declaration of Human Rights in which the government of Vietnam was a signatory. It also demonstrates that the Vietnamese government does not respect nor value these professionals and intellectuals, who are vital to the renovation of the country.

The Vietnamese Professionals Society strongly condemns these human right violations by the communist government of Vietnam, and demands the immediate release of Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, and other imprisoned intellectuals. The Vietnamese Professionals Society also appeals to all of its members in the world, together with our fellow citizens, to advocate to the cause and support Dr. Nguyen Dan Que and other victims persecuted by government of Vietnam.