Release International

A Montagnard Christian has died in police custody in Vietnam, apparently after torture during interrogation.

The family of 49-year-old Y Ngo Adrong was originally told that he had hanged himself at a police station in Ea H'Leo District, Dak Lak province. It was only after the funeral, when the authorities refused to let relatives see the body, that police admitted causing Y Ngo's death and offered the family compensation, according to the Montagnard Foundation.

Y Ngo was reportedly summoned to attend the police station on July 13 for questioning over his involvement with a house church. He arrived at 7.30am. By 11am on that same morning, police had arrived at his village, Buon Le, to announce his death to his family.

Dozens of police reportedly prevented villagers from attending the funeral in Y Ngo's village of birth, Buon Blec -- and barred his family from inspecting his wounds. Police have resolutely refused to give details of what happened in the interrogation room.

• Pray for the family of Y Ngo Adrong as they struggle to come to terms with his death in circumstances which remain a mystery.
• Pray that the Christian community of which he was a part will cling resolutely to their God through this trial of faith.

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