Release International

Concern is growing for a Vietnamese Christian who has not been seen since officials seized her in the Central Highlands a year ago.

Puih H'Bat, an ethnic minority Montagnard and a mother of four children, ran into trouble by leading prayer meetings in her home in Ploi Bang village, Gia Lai province.

Police raided one such meeting at Puih's home on April 9, last year. Officers tried to force all 20 Christians present to sign documents agreeing to join the government-sanctioned Evangelical Church of Vietnam. They all refused. Two days later, at 4am, the police arrested Puih and took her into custody.

Puih's plight has now reached the attention of the European Commission (EC) which says it is 'closely monitoring' her case. EC sources suggest that Puih H'Bat has been convicted of the 'destruction of the unity of the people's solidarity' and sentenced to five years in jail, according to news agency BosNewsLife. Security officials have reportedly told Puih's family she is in T-20 prison in Pleiku – but have not allowed them to visit her.

Puih's four children are currently being cared for by her elderly mother. Puih's estranged husband has fled to the US.

(Sources: BosNewsLife; International Christian Concern; Montagnard Foundation)

• Pray for Puih H'Bat's immediate release.
• Ask God to fill Puih's family with His perfect peace.

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