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March 15, 2026 – Vietnam –
Vietnamese authorities have arrested journalist and blogger Le Anh Hung on accusations of spreading anti-state propaganda, prompting renewed criticism from press freedom groups over the country’s use of broad national security laws against independent voices.
Police in Hanoi opened a criminal investigation into Hung, accusing him of producing, storing, and disseminating materials deemed hostile to the state under Vietnam’s penal code. Authorities say the charges relate to articles and online commentary he published that allegedly contained information opposing the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Hung, a prominent independent journalist and blogger, has written extensively about political and social issues in Vietnam and has contributed to the Vietnamese service of Voice of America. His online posts often addressed governance, corruption, and other controversial topics. Vietnamese police cited several blog posts, including commentary on local government campaigns targeting illegal markets, as evidence supporting the investigation.
The arrest was confirmed by press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which condemned the move and called on Vietnamese authorities to release Hung immediately. CPJ said the case reflects a broader pattern of harassment and prosecution of journalists and commentators who express criticism of government policies online.
Vietnam’s legal framework includes provisions that criminalize the creation or distribution of information considered harmful to the state. These laws, particularly those addressing propaganda or abuse of democratic freedoms, have been widely criticized by international rights organizations for being overly broad and frequently used to silence dissent.
According to reports, Hung had previously faced legal action under similar provisions. In 2022 he was convicted in absentia under a separate law that penalizes individuals accused of abusing democratic freedoms to undermine the state. The latest investigation represents a continuation of legal pressure against him and other independent commentators.
Press freedom advocates say the case highlights the significant restrictions faced by journalists in Vietnam, where most media outlets are state-controlled and independent reporting is tightly limited. Critics argue that the use of national security charges against journalists discourages open discussion and restricts the ability of reporters and bloggers to scrutinize government policies.
Media rights organizations have urged the Vietnamese government to drop the charges and ensure that journalists can report and express opinions without fear of arrest or legal retaliation. They argue that protecting independent journalism is essential for transparency and public accountability in the country.
Reference –
https://www.journalismpakistan.com/hanoi-police-charge-journalist-under-broad-anti-state-laws
Vietnam arrests journalist Le Anh Hung on ‘propaganda’ charge
