Vietnam says five Central Highlanders denounce banned religion

Vietnam says a group of five men from an ethnic minority in the country's Central Highlands have denounced their involvement with a Christian independence movement.

The area was the scene of widespread anti-government unrest in 2001.

Vietnam's state media says the five Jarai men from Lei Jo Wat village in Kon Tum renounced their association with the outlawed Dega movement at a self-criticism session in front of villagers and local officials.

The AFP news agency says it is unclear if the men were forced to recant their association with the movement.

However, human rights groups have accused the Vietnamese government of using repressive measures to stamp out the movement.