The position stands in opposition to that of Hanoi, one of 35 countries that abstained from taking a position during a recent United Nations vote
The cards are important for establishing identity with Thai authorities, including police.
US, allies should hold Hanoi accountable, activists say, as increased arrests add up to make Vietnam third largest jailer of journalists.
Founder of Independent Journalist Association of Vietnam and VOA contributor jailed alongside two others by Ho Chi Minh City court.
New decree that imposes fines and suspension orders for sharing 'harmful' content seen as part of wider crackdown in Vietnam on independent voices.
The jailing of Independent Journalists Association members and suspension of a news website suggest authorities are suppressing criticism in lead-up to party congress.
Speaking with VOA's Vietnamese Service, Tinh's father, Nguyen Ngoc Dinh, praised his son's defense team for making "concretely demonstrated and convincing arguments."
Environmental activist Bach Hong Quyen says the government continues to harass his family and he is considering settling outside Vietnam.
First lady Melania Trump presented Mother Mushroom, or Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, with an International Woman of Courage Award in March, in part for her environmental campaigning.
