Beloved Vietnam, I have exhausted all my energy and resources to survive, in resistance to our common enemy. I believe you haven’t been presented with a clear picture of the events which have taken place. Perhaps going first to the Italian embassy instead of directly to Vietnamese authorities was a misstep; Italian arrogance became preeminent in the way the consulate handled this affair, and I fear their ineptitude may have tilted the scales unfairly against me. I categorically refuse to leave the country until clarifications are made regarding information provided by the Italian consulate about Vietnam, its policies, security and cultural differences between Italy and Vietnam. For nine months now I’ve been fighting the Italian consulate’s pitiless attacks which have endeavoured to denounce me in an attempt to distract from their own failures in their roles of both diplomats and advocates for Italian citizens abroad. It took five days after my assault to finally be seen by the General Consul, and the advice I was given was to leave the country without justice. I found this shocking; I did not expect such laziness or disregard for the security of their citizens. It was even suggested my frustrations were borne not from the lack of the consulate’s interest in my assault, but instead due to my inability to affect a neo-colonial superiority over those who assaulted me. The consulate took the highly unusual step of suggesting this not in person, but instead slandering me with this accusation on social media. If this is indicative of the Italian diplomatic presence in Vietnam, I would certainly question their respect for your country and your rule of law. I'm feel like I’m trapped in a bad Italian B-movie plot. As I’m sure you know, I’m but one of many Italians who have emigrated to Vietnam, and we depend on the Italian consulate to provide us with information and guidance on how to assimilate to our new home. I found this service to be sorely lacking, and I wonder if Italian investors in Vietnam find a similar lack of help from the consulate? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a public spectacle about my assault and the ensuing chicanery and harassment by local law firms, impersonated police offices, fake appointments with law enforcement officials, threats by the immigration office, amongst other offences. The Ministry portrayed Vietnam to me as a violent and dangerous country where I had no hope of justice. I was given the distinct impression that they just wanted me to leave the country, and to sweep this whole unpleasantness under the rug and continue with their corrupt business as usual. When I challenged them to do their job, they flaunted their diplomatic immunity at me and dared me to bring legal action against the ministers. I am appealing to you, the Vietnamese government, to help me to find justice against those who assaulted me, and to show the world (and the Italian government) that Vietnam is a country based on the rule of law, that foreigners can travel safely here, and that fat cat diplomats who feel they are above the law and without duty to their citizens have no place in your beautiful country. I've been talking with so many local people which have a great love for Italy and Italians. There is a mutual respect between people in this country for others such as myself, who want to share our skills and experience with the people of Vietnam, to learn from the Vietnamese, and simply make a living for ourselves. The Italian diplomats make a mockery of this ideal, and have tilted the scales in their favour. All I’m asking for is to be heard by the government of Vietnam. I can’t leave the country until I clear my name and do what I can to hold the Italian Consulate responsible for their slander and inaction. Please help me find resolution and justice. Gemiliana Millana Assorgia FB Pagina: https://www.facebook.com/donnamillana FB Profilo: https://www.facebook.com/gemiliana.assorgia Website: https://donnamillana.blogspot.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9HFbKqXPzqvl6yMRRo-mtg