Dear Trang:
It would be four years in an hour since the day they came and got you. The picture of you, alone, walking along with the Vietnamese police officers, has come up on social media many times since then.
The lonely but courageous friend of mine proudly walked alone among them. You were not afraid, and until today, I believe you have not shown them any fear. Your courage is the inspiration that the younger generation needs.
I am writing to you now as your friend, and I am including in this letter the picture I took for you almost ten years ago, the last time we saw each other.
Time flies by, Trang. I have not seen you for almost ten years, and I could not communicate with you, hear your voice, or read your text messages for four years.
Yet, I hope you will know that our Luat Khoa Magazine and The Vietnamese Magazine persist, and many young people still want to learn to be independent journalists. These young people want to join our two magazines and build a free press in Vietnam.
In 2014, you told me that you would return to Vietnam because you believed many younger people believed in human rights and democracy. You asked me to believe you, to believe that there have been people like us who want to make Vietnam a better country.
You are right. In the past ten years, the new, young generation of Vietnamese youth has also given me hope. That hope is for a future where Vietnam will be a democracy and that Luat Khoa Magazine and The Vietnamese Magazine will be normal publications with offices in our country.
You are paying for that hope right now with your liberty. But I know you will not get desperate because you know our work continues, and more people are on your side.
Stay strong, Trang!
Please continue to believe in us and the next generation because we are right here with you. Vietnam’s freedom will begin with yours, and many people worldwide care about you and call for your release.
#FreeTrang
Hugs,
Quynh-Vi