The People’s Court in the central province of Phu Yen on January 28 began a trial of 22 members of a reactionary organisation on the charge with conducting activities aimed at overthrowing the people’s administration.

The trial is expected to last five days.

According to the indictment, between 2003 and February, 2012, Phan Van Thu(from the central province of Binh Dinh) and 21 others established a political organisation called “Hoi dong cong luat cong an Bia Son” (Bia Son Council for Public Laws and Affairs) at Da Bia eco-tourist site in Phu Yen province.

It disguised as Huynh Long Co. Ltd, an affiliate of the Dak Nong-based Hoang Long Co. Ltd., and registered for eco-tourist activities and afforestation in the Central Highlands province.

It set up branches in central and southern localities, drawing the participation of 293 people. Some overseas Vietnamese contributed money to the organisation.

The organisation has produced many documents slandering the administration and distorting the guidelines and policies of the Party and State.

The organisation also prepared a Government apparatus with the aim to overthrow the Vietnamese State to set up a so-called Dai Nam Kinh Chau State led by Phan Van Thu.-VNA