On June 1, Gia Lai provincial police detained Siu Yui, 68, and Siu Dok, 40, for undermining national unity policy.

Siu Yui (left) and Siu Dok at the investigative agency. Photo: Gia Lai Police

According to the investigation, since early this year, Siu Yui communicated via social media with Rah Lan Nglol (Ama Cham) and Siu Luar. Authorities identified these individuals as leaders of the overseas "Montagnard Refugee Organization" (MRO).

Siu Yui was tasked with developing domestic forces. His objective was to pursue separatist and autonomous goals, aiming to establish a separate state and religion in the Central Highlands.

He is accused of propagating and mobilizing relatives and some individuals previously associated with Fulro and Dega Protestantism to participate in activities under "Blung Hlau." He also posted and shared content about this organization on social media. Some posts distorted religious freedom, democracy, and human rights, inciting separatist and autonomous ideologies.

After Ama Cham appointed him "pastor", Siu Yui formed prayer groups following "Blung Hlau." On April 12, he organized a baptism ceremony for several people in Bau Can commune and recruited Siu Dok.

Siu Dok is accused of holding funds to establish a separate church and state, as directed by the group.

Authorities stated that Siu Yui was previously sentenced to six years in prison for undermining national unity policy, related to disturbances in 2001. In 2021, he was again reprimanded for posting and sharing content deemed to cause division within the national unity bloc.

Tran Hoa