Hanoi (VNA) – The Hanoi People’s Court sentenced a man to 30 months for “abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to violate interests of the State, rights and legitimate interests of organisations and individuals" at a first-instance trial held on February 27.
Truong Huy San, born in 1961, resides in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 3.
According to the indictment of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, between 2015 and 2024, San, gathered information and documents, drafted, and posted numerous articles on his personal Facebook page - Truong Huy San (Osin Huy Duc). Thirteen of these articles allegedly infringed upon State interests and the rights and legitimate interests of organisations and individuals. The posts attracted significant interaction, comments, and shares, leading to a negative impact on national security, and social order and safety. As such, it is neccessary to process the case in accordance with the law.
San told the court that he had created, managed and used the Facebook page “Truong Huy San (Osin Huy Duc)” on his own, without sharing administrative rights with anyone else. The posts published on his Facebook were solely his responsibility, and he gathered and assessed the information himself.
The defendant said that when posting the articles, his intention was not to oppose the Party or the State. However, he acknowledged that some of the content in the 13 posts violated the interests of the State and the legitimate rights of several organisations and individuals.
San expressed regret for his actions and took responsibility before the authorities, the organisations, and the individuals affected by his posts.
As a result, San admitted that his actions violated Article 331 of the Penal Code and agreed with the charges brought against him by the Supreme People's Procuracy for 'abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State, the rights and legitimate interests of organisations and individuals'.
In his final statement in court, the defendant acknowledged his violation of the law and expressed hope that the court will consider reducing his sentence, allowing him the opportunity to engage in social activities./.
