On the morning of August 3, the Hanoi People's Court sentenced Doan Bao Chau, 58, residing in Giang Vo ward, Hanoi, to 7 years in prison during a public absentee trial. He was convicted of making, storing, disseminating, or propagating information, materials, and items against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, under Article 117 of the Penal Code.
The trial panel determined that the defendant's actions endangered society, undermined national security, and disrupted public order and social safety. Beyond the prison sentence, the court imposed 5 years of probation on the defendant, effective from the date of completing the prison term.
The defendant has the right to appeal within 15 days from the date of receiving the judgment copy or from the date the judgment is publicly posted as stipulated by law.
According to the indictment, on 2/5/2024, the Hanoi Police Security Investigation Agency received reports and documents concerning Doan Bao Chau. He was accused of participating in live streams on the YouTube channel "BBC Tieng Viet" and his personal Facebook page "Chau Doan," disseminating distorted information, slandering the people's government, and fabricating news that caused public confusion.
On 24/4/2025, the Security Investigation Agency initiated criminal proceedings for the case, and on 30/6/2025, issued a decision to prosecute the defendant.
During the investigation, Doan Bao Chau admitted that the voice and images in the clips were his, but claimed he had no intention of opposing the State. Subsequently, the defendant fled and was issued an arrest warrant on 25/7/2025.
According to the forensic examination, 6 clips contained content propagating psychological warfare rhetoric, fabricating news causing public confusion, and distorting, slandering, and insulting the prestige of organizations, and the honor and dignity of individuals.
Before the trial, the Hanoi People's Court called on the defendant to surrender to receive leniency and to appear in court to exercise his right to self-defense.
However, the defendant did not surrender and was tried in absentia.
Source: VNA
