Nguyen Khac Chinh

Nguyễn Khác Chính was born on February 16, 1924, Quảng Nam Province, Vietnam.

In this Vietnamese name, the family name is Nguyen. According to Vietnamese custom, this person should properly be referred to by the given name Chinh.

Early life

He graduated Sorbonne Law School in Paris, France.

In 1966, he was declared the winner of the World Literary Prize for short stories in French.

In the Republic of Vietnam, he served as an attorney for the Superior Appellate Court in Saigon.

Political activity under Communism

On April 30, 1975, he remained during the Fall of Saigon because he was devout anti-communist and he formed the People’s Forces For the Recovery of Vietnam.

In 1975, he was the Judicial Advisor Saint Vincent Church Uprising, Saigon, which led to his arrest by the Vietnamese Communist and he received a life sentence.

Arrest and imprisonment

Under political pressure by the United States Department of State and the World Pen Club, the Communist government of Vietnam released Nguyen Khac Chinh after 17 years in jail.

He received political asylum and was reunited with his family in Maryland, United States.

Life in Exile

Since 1997, he has served as the Minister of Information of an exiled anti-communist organization known as the Government of Free Vietnam.

On August 15, 1997, he founded the Free Vietnam Coalition party and in 2002, he was chosen as Chairman of the Vietnamese Nationals Council.

Quotes
  • As a political Prisoner in Vietnam for 17 years I have forgiven my brothers now let's rebuild Vietnam.
  • I long to return to Vietnam under no repression and with open arms to bring freedom to my people.
  • Nelson Mandela wrote me while I was in jail and told me to keep the faith, I have not yet given up hope!
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