In an editorial sent to news organizations in Vietnam, Ambassador Michael Marine said there are an increasing number of people in prison or under detention whose only crime was the peaceful expression of their views. He said for the sake of Vietnam's international integration and development, its government must release the dissidents now. The ambassador also praised Vietnam for its economic growth and recent accession to the World Trade Organization. But he said the communist government must open up politically in order to reach its full potential.
The presiding judge at the South Jakarta district court dismissed the case against Erwin Arnada, saying the prosecution failed to take into account Indonesia's laws protecting freedom of speech. Supporters hailed the ruling as a victory for media freedom, while opponents argued that the verdict failed to protect women from exploitation. About 200 Islamic demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse where hundreds of police officers armed with water cannon were deployed to prevent possible violence. Demonstrations were peaceful. The court case was over a toned-down version of the U.S. magazine that was launched in Indonesia last April.

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