On 5/7, Truong was detained by Hai Phong City Police for investigation into the abuse of his son at their home in Bach Dang ward.

Pham Van Truong (left) at the time of his detainment. Photo: Police provided

On June 26, Truong suspected his son of stealing money and a phone, leading him to verbally abuse and physically assault the boy. The boy subsequently ran away from home.

On the morning of 5/7, the boy returned home only to have his father chain his feet, hang him upside down, and beat him with a wooden stick, a plastic pipe, and a shoe brush.

According to the initial investigation, unable to withstand the beating, the boy "confessed" and led his father to a phone shop on provincial road 359 to retrieve the supposedly stolen items. There, the boy cried out for help from bystanders and was taken to the police station, revealing Truong's actions.

Le Tan