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VIETNAM-RIGHTS-POLITICS-TRIAL
Vietnam dissident jailed for ‘reactionary’ Facebook posts
HANOI, March 20, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – A Vietnamese activist was sentenced on
Wednesday to two years in prison for “abusing democratic freedoms” in the
conservative communist state that has seen an uptick in dissident detentions
under a hardline leadership.
Le Minh The was convicted for a series of Facebook posts following a half-
day trial in southern Can Tho province, state media reported.
He “deliberately posted and distributed reactionary propaganda information
online, inciting, instigating and instructing others to protest and riot to
overthrow the authorities”, according to Cong An Nhan Dan, the official
mouthpiece of the Public Security Ministry.
He also livestreamed content that “defamed the party and the state (and)
aimed to undermine the unity of the people”, the news site added.
He was sentenced to two years in jail for “abusing democratic freedoms”.
The’s Facebook posts had protested against a controversial cybersecurity
law that would require internet companies to hand over user data and remove
content if requested by the government.
He had also criticised a draft law to grant foreign investors 99-year
leases in special economic zones, a bill that sparked rare, nationwide
protests last year.
Amnesty International slammed Wednesday’s verdict and called for all
political prisoners to be released.
“This is yet another sham trial of a peaceful activist in Vietnam,” a
spokesman said.
Vietnam jailed nearly 60 dissidents last year, several of whom received
sentences of up to 20 years in prison, according to an AFP review.
Observers say the crackdown is being waged by a conservative leadership in
charge since 2016, which has also led a parallel anti-corruption campaign
that has seen dozens of bankers, businessmen and former officials put behind
bars.
Vietnam has consistently defended its rights record, even as it has come
under fire by rights groups and foreign allies — including the US, the
European Union and United Nations — over hefty sentences and high-profile
arrests.
BSS/AFP/RY/1740 hrs