Police throughout Vietnam assault and torture people in their custody, in some cases leading to death, according to a new report compiled by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Media coverage of such abuses is very uneven, it says, raising serious concerns about the negative impact of government control of the media.
The 96-page report, "Public insecurity: deaths in custody and police brutality in Vietnam", highlights cases of police brutality that resulted in the deaths and serious injuries of people in custody between August 2010 and July 2014.
In some instances, media reports of these cases were extensive and detailed, exposing conflicting police statements and misconduct. One example was the alleged "suicide" in custody of Nguyen Cong Nhut, in April 2011.
But there was no media coverage of other key cases, such as the death of Hoang Van Ngai in March 2013 in Dak Nong province. Journalists told HRW's researchers that in some cases local authorities prevented them from approaching the families of victims for interviews.
Phil Robertson, HRW's deputy Asia director, said: "Vietnam should permit the media to do its job of investigating and reporting the news about official abuses.
"Independent journalism could help expose abuses that otherwise would be swept under the carpet."
Without publicity, police officers who commit serious, even lethal, transgressions rarely face serious consequences. Convictions are rare and even when they are prosecuted and convicted, officers tend to receive light or suspended sentences.
Robertson said Vietnam should investigate every accusation of police brutality. He said: "Until police get a loud and clear message from the top levels of government that abuse won't be tolerated...
"UN agencies and international donors assisting Vietnam establish the rule of law shouldn't allow these punishing police practices to continue. There should be a concerted outcry to press for government action to end police abuses."
Source: HRW
