An American citizen has been arrested in Vietnam after he took part in violent protests in Ho Chi Minh City over the weekend.
Will Nguyen was detained on Sunday after he joined protestors denouncing the government's plan to allow foreign companies long-term leases in Vietnam's special economic zones - a move that critics fear would favor Chinese investors.
Nguyen, who is of Vietnamese descent, was among more than hundred demonstrators detained and was said to have been violently beaten by police.
His family said he was charged with causing a scene and destroying public property and that a Vietnamese acquaintance paid his fines.
However, his current location is unknown and his friends and family say they cannot reach him.
