By Maureen Harris, Senior Advisor of International Rivers
Today, 24 January 2025, marks three years since the unjust trial and sentencing of our partner and friend, environmental lawyer and climate advocate Dang Dinh Bach (Bach).
Bach is a river defender. He worked for years to raise awareness about the downstream impacts of dams on the Mekong mainstream on the vital food systems and rich biodiversity of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. He represented communities who lost land and livelihoods to make way for Vietnam’s largest hydropower dam project, supporting them to fight for their rights through the legal system. He advocated for a shift away from coal and other destructive energy projects to build a clean and sustainable energy system for Vietnam.
This impactful work made Bach a target. He was detained by police in June 2021, just weeks after the birth of his young son, spending months in pre-trial detention. He was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of tax evasion, echoing a similar pattern to that of other prominent environmental defenders and climate leaders unjustly imprisoned in Vietnam in recent years.
Despite his imprisonment, Bach’s advocacy continues to earn international recognition. Today he was awarded the prestigious Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty for his unwavering commitment to environmental justice. The medal is awarded by Human Rights First, a US-based advocacy group working to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. The Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition, coordinated by International Rivers, issued a press release about this important award and marking the anniversary of Bach’s trial just days before the Tết Lunar New Year holiday, an important celebration in Vietnam and around the world.
Next week will be Bach’s fourth Tết holiday – coming up on Wednesday, January 29th – spent behind bars, separated from his family. In honor of the upcoming holiday, the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition has released a new video calling attention to Bach’s condition and asking the public to think of him during this time and while gathering with their own families. The video is also available in Vietnamese here.
Today, International Rivers sends this letter to Bach in prison, as part of a global letter-writing campaign showing solidarity and support. We urge you to join us and the campaign and write to Bach.
Dear Dang Dinh Bach,
It’s been three years since your freedom was taken for fighting for a cleaner, healthier world.
You fought to support communities affected by destructive dams and protect the Mekong Delta. You helped pass laws to stop pollution and promote clean energy systems. You empowered young lawyers to continue the fight for justice.
Your commitment to protecting communities’ rights to a healthy environment and clean energy has cost you five years of freedom in an unjust sentence. Today, as your health deteriorates under harsh prison conditions, your spirit remains unbroken.
You are a symbol of courage and resilience. And your dedication inspires us all. You are not alone.Today, we urge Vietnam to stop the persecution of environmental defenders and to immediately release Dang Dinh Bach and others unjustly detained.
With hope,
International Rivers

Photos credit: Dang Dinh Bach (Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition)