Hanoi - A prominent lawyer who had sued Vietnam's prime minister over environmental issues was arrested Friday, the lawyer's uncle said.
Cu Huy Ha Vu was arrested at a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City early morning, his uncle Cu Huy Chu told the German Press Agency dpa.
Police said Vu was arrested for having sexual relations with a prostitute, Chu said.
Police officials refused to confirm the arrest.
In 2009, Vu sued Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in a bid to stop controversial Chinese-run bauxite mines in Vietnam's Central Highlands, but the suit was dismissed.
Last month, the lawyer again sued the prime minister over a decree that bars groups from filing petitions or complaints with the government.
Vu's father, Cu Huy Can, was a confidant of national leader Ho Chi Minh and the first agriculture minister of independent Vietnam. His mother's brother, Xuan Dieu, is one of the country's most famous poets.
Chu, another uncle, taught at the Ho Chi Minh Political Academy, the training ground for government leaders, now known as the Diplomatic Academy.
Chu said he believed the prostitution charges were an 'excuse', and that his nephew had been arrested for criticizing the prime minister.
Hiring a prostitute is considered a minor offense in Vietnam, and Vu would face only a fine if charged and convicted.
Cu Huy Ha Vu was arrested at a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City early morning, his uncle Cu Huy Chu told the German Press Agency dpa.
Police said Vu was arrested for having sexual relations with a prostitute, Chu said.
Police officials refused to confirm the arrest.
In 2009, Vu sued Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in a bid to stop controversial Chinese-run bauxite mines in Vietnam's Central Highlands, but the suit was dismissed.
Last month, the lawyer again sued the prime minister over a decree that bars groups from filing petitions or complaints with the government.
Vu's father, Cu Huy Can, was a confidant of national leader Ho Chi Minh and the first agriculture minister of independent Vietnam. His mother's brother, Xuan Dieu, is one of the country's most famous poets.
Chu, another uncle, taught at the Ho Chi Minh Political Academy, the training ground for government leaders, now known as the Diplomatic Academy.
Chu said he believed the prostitution charges were an 'excuse', and that his nephew had been arrested for criticizing the prime minister.
Hiring a prostitute is considered a minor offense in Vietnam, and Vu would face only a fine if charged and convicted.