Catholics In Vietnam Demonstrate Over Land Rights

BBC News reports today on the two weeks of protests that have taken place in the Vietnam capital of Hanoi by Catholics who say the government took land belonging to the Thai Ha Parish and unlawfully gave it to a state-owned garment company that has now been privatized. Two weeks ago, hundreds of Catholics knocked down walls on the site to create a prayer site, and Catholics have been gathering there each evening in increasing numbers. The dispute is one of many over land rights in Vietnam, however the religious aspect of this dispute has created special problems for the government as police have clashed with demonstrators.