By Karen Diep
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

HANOI, Vietnam – Yesterday, the Church of Scientology announced that it would treat victims of Agent Orange.  During the Vietnam War, American troops used this defoliant against communist insurgents.

According to the Guardian, between 1962 and 1971, the United State’s military sprayed at least 20m gallons of Agent Orange, among other herbicides, on approximately a quarter of South Vietnam resulting in 5m acres of deforestation.  Furthermore, according to the Business Insider, during the late 1990s, the Vietnam Red Cross conducted a survey revealing that approximately 3 million Vietnamese men and women were affected by this toxin, including 150,000 children born with birth defects.

A doctor at the Vietnam Military Medical University, Nguyen Ba Vuong, shared with the New York Times that the Association for Better Living and Education, a group financed by the Church of Scientology, trained members of his clinic.

Moreover, Vietnamese news sources relayed to the New York Times that the program treated approximately 300 victims so far.  The “Hubbard Method” includes, among other things, vitamin and mineral intake, vigorous exercise, and sauna sessions to induce perspiration.  After 9/11 in New York City, Scientologists offered said services to those who may have been exposed to toxins.  These measures have also been used to aid in alcohol and drug-related rehabilitation.

“I hope my wife and I will fully recover completely and will not suffer after-effects to pass on to my descendants,” said Nguyen Dai Sang to the Viet Nam News daily.  Though those in Mr. Sang’s situation are hopeful, many researchers doubt the “Hubbard Method.”

“I would not expect that it would lower the body burden of dioxin in a given person,” stated Dr. Marcella L. Warner, a research epidemiologist at the University of California, Berkeley.  Dr. Warner has studied the long-term health effects of dioxin exposure.  Though she is not well versed in the “Hubbard Method,” Dr. Warner believes a program’s emphasis on excessive perspiration is not effective.

In addition, a spokesman for the American Embassy in Hanoi, Christopher Hodges, stated, “We are not aware of any safe, effective detoxification treatment for people with dioxin in body tissues.  The best way to reduce health risks associated with dioxin is to prevent human exposure to dioxin.”

Although the United States purports that no link between Agent Orange and health problems exists, last month, it initiated a project to clean the toxins from a former airbase, where American troops previously stored and mixed the toxin.  Furthermore, since 2007, Vietnam has received approximately $60m from the United States for forest restoration and social services.

For more information, please see:

The Business Insider – Vietnamese Citizens are Turning to a Scientology Detox Program to Cure Effects of Agent Orange – 06 Sept. 2012

Fox News – Vietnam Agent Orange Victims get Scientology ‘Detox’ – 06 Sept. 2012

The Guardian – Agent Orange Victims in Vietnam to get Scientology ‘Detox’ Treatment – 06 Sept. 2012

New York Times – Agent Orange Victims Get Scientology Treatment – 05 Sept. 2012

By Karen Diep
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

Yesterday, London’s high court thwarted an inquiry into the killings of 24 unarmed Malayan rubber plantation workers in 1948.

With the support of over 568 Malaysian groups comprised of schools, temples, and professional groups, relatives of the fallen victims requested the court to launch an inquiry into the 1948 killings.  As a result, this past May, London’s High Court heard their case.

According to Reuters, at the time, officials reported the killing as an operation against anti-communist insurgents or supports attempting to escape.  However, in 1970, soldiers formerly involved admitted to a British newspaper that the killings were in fact pre-meditated.  The soldiers were allegedly ordered to cover the truth.

Sir John Thomas, the president of the Queen’s Bench division, and Justice Treacy rejected the government’s argument that treaties in effect at the time, transferred responsibility to Malaysia.  However, the London’s court rejected the claimants’ argument that the government had a legal duty to hold an inquiry; however,  laimants’ counsel, John Halford, anticipates appealing this decision.

“There is evidence that supports a deliberate execution of the 24 civilians at Batang Kali,” read Tuesday’s judgment.  “The first matter in relation to the purpose of inquiry is to consider whether it can establish the facts.  There are obviously enormous difficulties in conducting an inquiry into a matter that happened over 63 years ago.  Most of the contemporary documents are missing and most of those who were engaged are dead.  Nor, in our view, would it be any easier to determine whether the use of force was reasonable or proportionate.”

“Many of the shameful events at Batang Kali have been firmly established, as has the UK’s ongoing legal responsibility for them,” voiced Mr. Halford.  “If ministers can find the moral courage within themselves to address it, they can do so immediately.  If they fail to act decisively to end the ongoing injustices at the heart of this case, the survivors and families of the Batang Kali massacre will continue to pursue legal action and complete the work this court has begun.”

The Scots Guard beheaded claimant Lim Kok’s father.  “Though the court found the government did not need to hold an inquiry on technical grounds, the fact is that the Scots Guards shot innocent civilians, my father included,” shared Mr. Kok to the Guardian.

Chong Koon Yin’s father Chong Voon suffered the same fate.  “The truth has not been fully revealed.  Without a proper inquiry or a proper acceptance of fault, the government held legally responsible for the killing remains unaccountable.”

For further information, please see:

The Guardian – Relatives lose court case for inquiry in to 1948 Malaya ‘massacre’ – 04 Sept. 2012

The Independent – Judges block 1948 Malaya ‘massacre’ probe – 04 Sept. 2012

Reuters – Britain held responsible for 1948 mass killing in Malaya – 04 Sept. 2012

BBC – British ‘massacre’ in Malaya in 1948 to be reviewed – 08 Sept. 2011

By Karen Diep
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

TOKYO, Japan – On Friday, Japan demanded South Korea end its unauthorized occupation of small islands under Japanese control.  In addition, Japan criticized China for its unrightful claims over other islands and occupation by Chinese activists.

“Since earlier this month, a series of incidents have occurred, threatening to violate our sovereignty, which we find extremely regrettable.  We do not tolerate these actions,” voiced Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.

On Friday, Japan’s lawmakers passed a symbolic resolution banning South Korea’s President, Lee Myung-bak, from Japan’s island, Takeshima in Japanese and Dokdo in Korean.

“We condemn [Lee’s landing] and strongly demand South Korea end its illegal occupation of Takeshima as soon as possible,” read the resolution.  According to the Washington Post, the strong language in the dispute worsened relations between both countries.

On the other front, on August 17^th, Japan deported 14 Chinese activists previously detained after landing on an island concurrently claimed by Japan and China in the East China Sea.  The island, Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese, lies near rich gas reserves, and in April, Tokyo’s governor announced that he would purchase the cluster of islands.

As reported by the Washington Post, critics pressured Prime Minister Noda to take harsher action monitoring and protecting the islands.  Accordingly, Mr. Noda announced that Japan would bolster its security near Senkaku or Diaoyu to prevent further “incursions by foreigners.”  Mr. Noda further stated that Japan would continue to push its position in international forums.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei claimed, “It is illegal and futile for Japan to strengthen its claim by approving the resolution.  It does not change the fact that the islands belong to China.”

In September 2010, a Chinese fishing boat collided with Japanese coastguard patrols near the disputed islands.  According to the Guardian, a Japanese coastguard claimed that the collision occurred after the captain disregarded requests to leave the area and subsequently refused to allow Japanese authorities to inspect his boat.  The Japanese further demanded that China pay for the damages.

Such events have lead to thousands of anti-Japanese protests the last few weeks in China.  As a result, Japan has urged China to protect its citizens.

“With a rising China and a more self-confident South Korea, the region is entering an era of turbulence,” shared Narushige Michishita, a security expert from Japan’s National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.

For further information, please see: 

Tapei Times – Japan talks tough in row with South Korea on Islands – 26 Aug. 2012

The Washington Post – Japan condemns ‘illegal’ landings by Chinese activists, SKorean president on disputed islands – 24 Aug. 2012

Euro News – Japan and China clash over disputed islands – 20 Aug. 2012

The Guardian – Japan to deport 14 Chinese island activists – 17 Aug. 2012

The Guardian – Japan-China row escalates over fishing boat collision – 09 Sept. 2010

 

 

By Karen Diep
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

NEW DELHI, India – Today, New Delhi authorities arrested Baba Ramdev, a popular yoga instructor and Hindu talk show host, for his participation in an anti-corruption protest near Parliament.

“Remove the Congress party and save the nation,” urged Mr. Ramdev amongst thousands.

Mr. Ramdev and his supporters marched in protest of the government’s failure to control corruption and retrieve black money stashed away in foreign countries.

According to the Times of India, a Congress representative declared the protest a stunt.

“Lok Sabha polls will be in 2014 and 99 per cent could be in 2013.  This protest is to ensure that no dishonest person enters Parliament.  Such people should be boycotted.  We do not have a political agenda,” shared Mr. Ramdev.

After his detainment, authorities moved Mr. Ramdev to a bus expected to transport the yoga instructor to a Bawana police station located outside of New Delhi.  However, a large number of Mr. Ramdev’s supporters climbed on the bus, delaying its movement.  In the end, authorities ordered ninety buses to round up the protestors.

“We’ve deployed adequate security for Ramdev’s march.  Everything should be in control,” said a New Delhi police spokesman to Reuters.  However, he refused to comment on whether Mr. Ramdev received permission for the protest.

“Delhi Police is a puppet in the hands of the Central government.  We will not do anything that disrupts peace.  We wanted to march towards Parliament in a peaceful manner to make our voices heard,” said Mr. Ramdev.

For further information, please see: 

The Guardian – Indian TV star Baba Ramdev arrested at anti-corruption walk – 13 August 2012

New Delhi – Ramdev detained by police, fails to reach Parliament – 13 August 2012

News of India – Baba Ramdev taken into preventive custody – 13 August 2012

Reuters – Baba Ramdev’s detention lifted, protest continues – 13 August 2012

By Karen Diep
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

BEIJING, China – On August 9^th, Gu Kailai’s murder trial will begin in the eastern city of Hefei.  Ms. Gu, the wife of former Communist Party member, Bo Xilai, will face a jury for the alleged murder of British businessman, Neil Heywood.

In early April, authorities arrested Mr. Gu and last week, prosecutors charged Ms. Gu with intentional homicide.  If convicted, Ms. Gu may face the death penalty.

On November 15, 2011, Mr. Heywood was discovered dead in his hotel.  Chinese authorities allegedly quickly categorized his death as overconsumption of alcohol.  Furthermore, Mr. Heywood’s body was cremated without an autopsy.

Prior to his death, Mr. Heywood resided in China for over a decade with his Chinese wife.  Moreover, he consulted with various companies, including a company founded by former MI6 agents, Britain’s secret intelligence service.

When Wang Lijun, Mr. Xilau’s long-time lieutenant, sought political asylum last February at a U.S. Consulate, suspicion arose.  According to CNN, Mr. Lijun feared for his life because he was holding incriminating information against Mr. Xilau, the former Communist Party chief.

Mr. Wang had previously headed Mr. Xilau’s campaign against organized crime.  However, after Mr. Wang voiced that Mr. Heywood might have been poisoned during a business dispute with Ms. Gu, trouble between the two ignited.

According to The Telegraph, Ms. Gu poisoned Mr. Heywood after he allegedly threated her son.  Mr. Heywood and Ms. Gu’s son purportedly clashed over their “economic interests.”  Fearing for her son’s safety, Ms. Gu, with her house aid, who is also facing the jury, poisoned Mr. Heywood.

A UK Foreign Office spokesman reassured that Britain is dedicated to finding justice for Mr. Heywood’s family.  “The details of the ongoing investigation are a matter for the Chinese authorities,” shared a Foreign Office spokesman last week.  “However, we are glad to see that the Chinese authorities are continuing with the investigation.  We are dedicated to seeking justice for him and his family and we will be following developments closely.”

For more information, please see:

Telegraph News – Gu Kailai poisoned Neil Heywood ‘after he threatened her son’ – 05 Aug. 12

BBC – Heywood murder: China sets Bo Xilai wife trial date – 04 Aug. 12

CNBC – China to hold Gu Kailia muder trial on Aug 9: sources – 04 Aug. 12

CNN – Murder trial starts next week for Chinese politician’s wife, friend says – 03 Aug. 12