Vietnam to prosecute lawyer for criticising judicial actions on social media News
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Vietnam to prosecute lawyer for criticising judicial actions on social media

The Vietnamese government initiated legal proceedings on Tuesday against prominent lawyer Tran Dinh Trien for allegedly infringing upon state interests through social media criticism.

Tran is scheduled for a hearing on January 9, at the People’s Court of Hanoi, facing serious charges under Article 331 of Vietnam’s penal code, which could result in a prison sentence of up to seven years.

Tran’s indictment stems from three Facebook posts published between April 23 and May 9, 2024, in which he criticized actions taken by then Supreme Court Chief Justice Nguyen Hoa Binh. The court claimed that Tran’s statements contained falsehoods aimed at damaging the chief justice’s reputation and undermining the integrity of the judicial system.

Notably, Tran’s posts addressed significant issues, such as the exclusion of family members from trials and restrictions on media coverage during court proceedings, raising concerns about judicial transparency and fairness.

This prosecution is part of a broader trend in Vietnam, where authorities have intensified their crackdown on free expression, particularly targeting lawyers, journalists, and activists. In recent years, several legal professionals have faced similar charges for voicing opinions that challenge government policies or actions. The United Nations (UN) has condemned such practices, emphasizing that lawyers and journalists should be free to engage in public discourse without fear of retribution.

The implications of this case reflect a systemic issue within Vietnam’s legal framework where dissent is increasingly criminalized. The government has frequently utilized Article 331 to stifle criticism, with at least 24 individuals convicted under this provision in 2024 alone. Critics argue that this undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the judicial system, further stating that this case highlights the increasing suppression of dissenting voices in Vietnam, particularly among legal professionals.

As Vietnam prepares for Tran’s trial, international observers closely monitor the situation. Human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called for the immediate dismissal of charges against him and other individuals prosecuted for peacefully expressing their political views, reiterating that such actions do not only violate domestic law but also contravene international human rights standards. The outcome of Tran Dinh Trien’s trial could set a significant precedent for the future of legal advocacy and civil liberties in Vietnam.

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