Vietnamese authorities have detained a well-known journalist, accusing him of violating democratic freedoms by sharing articles on Facebook that allegedly harmed the state’s interests and the rights of individuals and organizations.
The journalist, Truong Huy San, also known as Huy Duc, was arrested last week, as reported by a Vietnamese blogger. Official confirmation came on Friday, with state media announcing that the Ministry of Public Security was investigating Mr. San for his social media posts, although the specific content was not disclosed.
This arrest sends a chilling message to other writers in Vietnam, where journalists are often targeted by the ruling Communist Party. Despite his connections with high-ranking officials, Mr. San’s arrest highlights the shrinking space for independent voices in the country.
Human rights groups have criticized the broad law used to charge Mr. San, calling it a tool to silence government critics. The arrest of such a prominent journalist like Mr. San is seen as a severe blow to press freedom and part of a wider crackdown on dissent in Vietnam.
International organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and PEN America, have called for the release of Mr. San, emphasizing the importance of protecting freedom of the press.
In addition to Mr. San, another individual, lawyer Tran Dinh Trien, was also arrested on similar charges related to his Facebook posts. The simultaneous arrests of these two figures underscore the government’s intolerance towards dissenting voices.
Before his disappearance, Mr. San had used his Facebook platform to criticize the concentration of power within the Ministry of Public Security and the anti-corruption efforts led by Vietnam’s Communist Party chief. His arrest has sparked concerns about the future of free speech in Vietnam.
The case of Mr. San serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and activists in Vietnam, where speaking out against the government can lead to severe consequences.
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2024-06-08 01:33:37
Source from www.nytimes.com