This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8468715.stm

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Vietnam tries democracy activists Vietnam tries democracy activists
(9 minutes later)
The trial of leading human rights lawyer Le Cong Dinh and three other democracy activists for subversion has begun in Vietnam.The trial of leading human rights lawyer Le Cong Dinh and three other democracy activists for subversion has begun in Vietnam.
The four are accused of plotting to overthrow the communist government.The four are accused of plotting to overthrow the communist government.
The subversion charge carries a minimum sentence of 12 years and a maximum sentence of execution.The subversion charge carries a minimum sentence of 12 years and a maximum sentence of execution.
The case has drawn strong criticism from rights groups abroad, who see it as a sign of an increasing clampdown on democracy and freedom of expression.The case has drawn strong criticism from rights groups abroad, who see it as a sign of an increasing clampdown on democracy and freedom of expression.
The hearing is scheduled to last two days.The hearing is scheduled to last two days.
Activists' defenderActivists' defender
ANALYSIS Nga Pham, BBC Vietnamese Service The arrests of these four dissidents have attracted huge attention, mainly because of the high profiles of the accused, especially Le Cong Dinh. He's a well-known figure in Vietnam, having represented the country in a number of international lawsuits.ANALYSIS Nga Pham, BBC Vietnamese Service The arrests of these four dissidents have attracted huge attention, mainly because of the high profiles of the accused, especially Le Cong Dinh. He's a well-known figure in Vietnam, having represented the country in a number of international lawsuits.
Their indictment for subversion is rarely seen in Vietnam nowadays, and has sparked speculation that the government is tightening its grasp over political dissent in light of the upcoming Communist Party Congress.Their indictment for subversion is rarely seen in Vietnam nowadays, and has sparked speculation that the government is tightening its grasp over political dissent in light of the upcoming Communist Party Congress.
Security is high outside the court, and state-controlled local media has written little about the trial.Security is high outside the court, and state-controlled local media has written little about the trial.
It has been a long time since the communist regime tried anybody on subversion charges, considered one of the most serious offences under Vietnam's criminal code, says the BBC's Nga Pham.It has been a long time since the communist regime tried anybody on subversion charges, considered one of the most serious offences under Vietnam's criminal code, says the BBC's Nga Pham.
The four accused - who were arrested in June - were initially charged with spreading anti-government propaganda.The four accused - who were arrested in June - were initially charged with spreading anti-government propaganda.
But early last month, state prosecutors decided to bring more serious charges.But early last month, state prosecutors decided to bring more serious charges.
While execution is unlikely, the dissidents are still facing years in prison for their pro-democracy activities if they are found guilty, our correspondent says. Le Cong Dinh and one of the other defendants, Nguyen Tien Trung, have admitted the charges brought by the prosecution, but a third defendant, Le Thang Long, has denied any wrongdoing.
The dissidents are likely to face years in prison for their pro-democracy activities if they are found guilty, our correspondent says.
This trial is seen by many as a showcase of the government's intolerance against political dissent in the run-up to next year's Communist Party Congress.This trial is seen by many as a showcase of the government's intolerance against political dissent in the run-up to next year's Communist Party Congress.
Mr Dinh rose to prominence when he represented Vietnam's interests in the so-called "catfish battle" where US farmers accused the Vietnamese of dumping cheap seafood on the US market.Mr Dinh rose to prominence when he represented Vietnam's interests in the so-called "catfish battle" where US farmers accused the Vietnamese of dumping cheap seafood on the US market.
In recent years, Mr Dinh defended some of Vietnam's leading human rights and democracy activists, such as fellow lawyers Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan, who have also been jailed for anti-government activity.In recent years, Mr Dinh defended some of Vietnam's leading human rights and democracy activists, such as fellow lawyers Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan, who have also been jailed for anti-government activity.