Vietnam Jails Journalist Nguyen Vu Binh for Seven Years Over “Anti-State Propaganda”

September 16, 2024 – Vietnam – 

A Hanoi court sentenced veteran journalist and blogger Nguyen Vu Binh to seven years in prison on charges of “making, storing, and distributing anti-state propaganda.” The 56-year-old was convicted under Article 117 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, which has been widely criticized for its use against dissenting voices. His arrest and sentencing are part of an intensifying crackdown on independent journalism in Vietnam.

The charges stem from four videos Binh posted in early 2022 on TNT Media Live, in which he discussed political, social, and economic issues. Authorities claimed the content distorted the truth and incited public confusion. Binh denied the charges in court, defending his right to free expression under Vietnam’s constitution and international law. Despite this, he declined to appeal the verdict, stating he had no faith in the judicial system’s impartiality.

Binh previously worked as an economics reporter for a Communist Party journal but turned to independent journalism after being dismissed for criticizing corruption. Since then, he has contributed to outlets such as Radio Free Asia, reporting on human rights abuses, environmental issues, land disputes, and government misconduct.

International press freedom organizations have condemned the ruling. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), PEN America, and Radio Free Asia all labeled the case as politically motivated and a tool of intimidation. CPJ’s Southeast Asia representative, Shawn Crispin, said Binh was punished for “airing independent views, which Vietnamese authorities continue to treat as a criminal offense.”

Vietnam remains one of the world’s leading jailers of journalists, with at least 19 imprisoned as of late 2023. Binh’s conviction further highlights the government’s use of vague laws like Article 117 to stifle dissent and restrict public debate. The verdict also underscores a growing trend under the leadership of President To Lam, formerly head of public security, to use legal tools to suppress independent reporting.

Press freedom advocates are calling for Binh’s immediate release and for Vietnam to repeal laws that criminalize journalism. His case is a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists in authoritarian environments where speaking truth to power can lead to imprisonment.

Reference – 

Vietnamese journalist sentenced to 7 years on propaganda charges

https://www.voanews.com/a/critics-denounce-vietnam-s-sentencing-of-journalist-as-brazen-intimidation-of-media-/7779187.html

Vietnam: Journalist sentenced to seven years for ‘anti-state’ propaganda – IFJ