Quang Ngai (VNA) – The People’s Court of the central province of Quang Ngai on July 12 sentenced a 56-year-old man to 16 years in jail for attempting to overthrow the people’s administration.

According to the indictment, Dinh Diem – from Son Ha commune, Son Ha district, Quang Ngai province – is a self-proclaimed pastor of the Evangelical Church of America and Vietnam. He participated in the “Provisional National Government of Vietnam”, a US-based organisation which incites terrorist and destructive activities with the aim of overthrowing the people’s administration.

During the investigation, relevant agencies collected many documents relating to Diem’s crimes.

Diem was assigned by Dao Minh Quan, who has proclaimed himself as Prime Minister of the “Provisional National Government of Vietnam”, as Provisional President of the “Hoi dong lien ton” (Interfaith Council) in Vietnam.

Diem lured a number of religious dignitaries to take part in the organisation so as to develop forces to overthrow the administration.

On January 5, 2018, under the approval of the People’s Procuracy of Quang Ngai province, the investigation agency of Quang Ngai police decided to launch criminal proceedings against Diem and ordered the detention of Diem on the charge of attempting to overthrow the people’s administration, as well as the seizure of many pieces of evidence.

In the past, Diem joined the FULRO reactionary organisation and was sent for re-education.

The “Provisional National Government of Vietnam” is a terrorist organisation in accordance with Vietnamese and international law, the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam has announced. -VNA