Alleged boss blames netizens for "exaggerating" assault case

After receiving medical care, Nguyen Van Thien, the alleged boss, reiterated his claim of not ordering the assault, stating the incident was minor but "exaggerated by netizens".

On the afternoon of 30/1, Regional Court 3 in Hanoi sentenced Nguyen Van Thien to 24 months in prison and his accomplice, Nguyen Long Vu, 24, to six months. Both were convicted of disturbing public order.

The court determined the defendants' actions were serious, negatively impacting public order and creating unfavorable public opinion. Therefore, severe penalties are necessary for deterrence and general prevention.

Defendants Thien (left) and Vu in court on 30/1. Photo: Danh Lam

The incident occurred around 14h30 on 17/9/2025, at a cafe in a Hanoi urban area. Thien was smoking when Minh, a 29-year-old employee and the owner's son, reminded him to stop.

After Minh's third reminder, Thien raised his hand, gesturing upwards. Immediately, Vu stood, approached the cashier counter, and punched Minh twice in the face, causing him to fall.

Thien again raised his hand, signaling, and shouted, "Stop, stop, stop". Vu ceased, returned to his seat, and the group then departed.

Security cameras inside the cafe recorded the entire incident. The cafe owner posted the video on social media and subsequently reported it to the police.

In court, Vu admitted to the assault, stating he hit Minh after the alleged boss ordered him to "go over there and slap that employee a few times". Thien, however, denied this, claiming he raised his hand to intervene upon hearing a commotion.

Thien asserted that the cafe's video had "many inaccuracies", despite the court publicly replaying it during the trial.

The court session at Regional Court 3, Hanoi. Photo: Danh Lam

After Thien exhibited symptoms of nausea and fatigue, the court paused for medical staff to attend to him.

Returning to the afternoon session, after the People's Procuracy (VKS) recommended a sentence of 30 to 36 months, Thien maintained that "it was a minor matter that netizens escalated, causing public confusion".

The People's Procuracy refuted Thien's view, asserting that the actions under review constituted disturbing public order, irrespective of "clickbait" or social media dissemination. The cafe had clear no-smoking signs, and the employee reminded Thien three times.

Even with frustration, using inappropriate language and physical force against another person is unacceptable, the VKS representative stated. They further analyzed that while the victim sustained 0% injury, the assault was real, and "the defendant's claim that it was a minor issue is unfounded".