On 10/4, Ms. Vuong filed a complaint at a local police station, alleging sexual harassment by Judge Luu of the Luliang Intermediate People's Court in Shanxi province.
Following her complaint, police initiated an investigation in accordance with administrative violation procedures.
According to the complaint and related reports, on 26/8/2025, Judge Luu obtained Ms. Vuong's mobile phone number during the process of handling her divorce case.
On 5/9/2025, Judge Luu called Ms. Vuong from a landline, stating he had new evidence requiring her presence at his office for confirmation. During their discussion about the case that day, Judge Luu "repeatedly harassed me with words and actions. Despite my repeated refusals, he hugged my waist multiple times, touched my private parts, and forcibly embraced, pulled, and kissed my cheek," Ms. Vuong recounted.
Ms. Vuong stated that when she attempted to leave, Judge Luu locked the door and asked, "Are you perhaps finding me too old, not liking me?", urging her to accept his advances. Ms. Vuong refused, using the excuse of needing to pick up her child to escape the office.
Ms. Vuong revealed she secretly recorded the conversation with Judge Luu at the time of the incident. In the recording, which lasts over 16 minutes, a woman can be heard repeatedly saying "No, no" to a man. The man's voice is heard saying phrases such as: "I found you beautiful when the court session opened", "You are truly charming", "Why be shy?", "If you agree, I will try to consider it further".
On 12/4, Judge Luu was suspended from duty. Local disciplinary inspection agencies also launched an investigation into the matter.
According to Pho Kien, director of a law firm in Henan province, if the incident is initially handled as an administrative violation under the "Law on Administrative Punishments", sexual harassment can result in detention for 5 to 10 days. More severe cases, such as harassing individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, those under 14 years of age, or other serious circumstances, carry a detention period of 10 to 15 days.
Additionally, under the "Law on Administrative Punishments for Civil Servants", violations of family ethics or social morality may lead to warnings, demerits, or disciplinary actions. More severe infractions could result in demotion, dismissal, or expulsion.
Tue Anh (according to The News Time, Xinhua)
