Vietnam officially announces the detention of writer Truong Huy San over Facebook post | Global News

Vietnam Charges Prominent Journalist Huy Duc with Violating National Security Law

Authorities in Vietnam have charged well-known journalist and historian Truong Huy San, also known as Huy Duc, with violating a national security law due to his writings on Facebook and various state media platforms. The Security Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security reported that San was charged with abusing freedom and democracy to harm the interests of the State and individuals.

Additionally, lawyer Tran Dinh Trien was also charged under the same law and both men have been detained for prosecution. The offense carries a punishment of two to seven years in prison. Trien, a former deputy director of the Hanoi Bar Association, was arrested for posting critical commentary about the government on Facebook.

The news of San’s detention has sparked outrage among human rights groups, with The 88 Project calling it an attack on press freedom and part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Vietnam. The United States has been urged to sanction Hanoi for its repression of free speech.

San, a popular social commentator and critic of the communist government, has been an independent journalist since 2009. His arrest has drawn international attention, with press freedom groups calling for his immediate release. San’s work has been praised for providing valuable information to the Vietnamese public, despite facing censorship from the government.

The case highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Vietnam, where press freedom is severely restricted. San’s arrest has raised concerns about the state of free speech in the country and the need to protect journalists who dare to speak out against government actions.