Vietnam’s court has sentenced renowned journalist, Truong Huy San (also known as Huy Duc), to 2.5 years in prison for exercising his democratic rights through numerous critical Facebook posts concerning the government. His trial took place in secrecy, with his family barred from attending.

Arrested in June, San was found guilty under criminal code for posts made between 2015 and 2024, which state-run media claimed harmed national interests and infringed upon legal rights.

San, with a history of military service and a distinguished career in investigative journalism, was particularly famous for his corruption-busting reports and open criticism of the political situation in Vietnam. His story has drawn significant attention from international human rights groups, who are keen to observe how Vietnam deals with dissent and press freedom, as the nation strives for a more global and progressive image.

Through his posts, including one that opposed aggressive policing, San reached out to a wide audience, amassing around 370,000 Facebook followers. The Committee to Protect Journalists addressed the case, arguing for his immediate and unconditional release.

This situation highlights the tension within Vietnam regarding speech and civil liberties, with at least 16 journalists currently in custody, mainly due to social media activities. Despite attempts by the government to rigidly control online platforms, Vietnam still ranks as one of the top Gefängnis for journalists, on par with Iran and Eritrea, according to the latest global prison census.

San now faces a two-and-a-half-year sentence and reportedly expressed remorse for any content that went against the state’s interests, though he had no intention of opposing the Communist Party or the state.

Throughout his life, San was rooted in military service and eventually became a prominent investigative reporter, even pursuing international academic opportunities. Upon his return to Vietnam, he resumed his critical writing, only to see his outlets shuttered by authorities.

Despite the setback, San’s legacy includes influential works, such as “The Winning Side,” a comprehensive account of Vietnam’s recent history, which is banned officially but continues to circulate underground.

In facing this sentence, San receives support from his community, with friends expressing relief that the term wasn’t longer and planning to celebrate his future release.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/28/world/asia/vietnamese-journalist-san-prison.html