FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Despite growing ties with the U.S., a recent self-immolation in Hanoi was emblematic of the country’s deteriorating human rights situation and attacks on free speech. On July 30 Dang Thi Kim Lieng set herself on fire outside the Bac Lieu People’s Committee building in southern Vietnam. She died of her injuries en route to hospital. Lieng, who was 64, was protesting the detention of her daughter Ta Phong Tan, who was arrested September 30 last year and was due to go to trial August 7. At the time of publication, the hearing has been postponed indefinitely.

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