Dao Minh Quan, 74, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court on 14/5. He was convicted of two offenses: terrorism against the people's government and activities to overthrow the people's government, as reported by TTXVN.
Pham Lisa, also known as Pham Anh Dao, 47, also received a life sentence. Ha Xuan Nghiem, 63, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for terrorism against the people's government.
Additionally, Huynh Thi Tham (Huynh Tammy Tham), Lam Ai Hue (Lam Kim Hue, Hue Lam), and Dao Kim Quang (Francis Andre Solvang, Dao Van Tien) each received 20 years in prison for activities to overthrow the people's government.
As the alleged leader, Dao Minh Quan and his five accomplices mentioned above were tried and sentenced in absentia because they are currently wanted fugitives.
Before the trial, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court called on these defendants to surrender to benefit from leniency policies. All defendants had legal representation.
In connection with the case, 17 other defendants received prison sentences ranging from 3 to 14 years for activities to overthrow the people's government. These defendants will also be subject to supervised probation for 2 to 5 years after completing their prison terms.
The trial panel emphasized the exceptionally serious nature of the case. It undermined national security, endangered society, and negatively impacted public order. Therefore, strict measures are necessary for deterrence and general prevention.
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Dao Minh Quan is a wanted fugitive. |
During their final statements, the defendants present in court expressed remorse and requested leniency from the trial panel. They affirmed receiving the indictment and acknowledged that their criminal acts and seized evidence aligned with the charges.
The People's Procuracy representative, acting as prosecutor, announced the indictment, identifying Dao Minh Quan as the leader of the organization "Chinh phu quoc gia Viet Nam lam thoi" (Provisional National Government of Vietnam). The remaining defendants participated in and supported this organization's activities to oppose the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Between 2015 and 2017, members established several groups, including "Phuong Hoang", "Mang Xa", "Biet Dong Quan", and "Dai Viet", to carry out sabotage and disrupt public order.
Several domestic defendants were accused of burning a temporary vehicle impoundment warehouse in Dong Nai, causing substantial property damage. They also planned fires and explosions at critical locations, including Tan Son Nhat International Airport and the 2019 bombing at the former Binh Duong Provincial Tax Department. Prosecutors stated that authorities detected and thwarted these plans.
The Ministry of Public Security has designated "Chinh phu quoc gia Viet Nam lam thoi" as a terrorist organization. Individuals who participate, propagate, recruit, finance, or act under its direction may face prosecution under Vietnamese law.
By Hai Duyen
