Vietnam says environmentalist jailed for tax evasion and not for activism

Vietnam's foreign ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said on Thursday, Khanh "was investigated and prosecuted for economic offences regarding tax evasion and she admitted her wrongdoing".

HANOI, June 23 (Reuters): Vietnam has announced that a prominent environmentalist's jailing last week was for tax evasion not for her campaigning, rejecting calls for her release and that of other climate change activists.

A court in Hanoi last week sentenced Nguy Thi Khanh, 46, to two years in jail. The United States State Department said it was "deeply concerned" by the sentencing and called for her release.