On 8/8, Phuong, 39 years old, was temporarily detained by Gia Lai Provincial Police for abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state, the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals, under Article 331 of the Criminal Code.

Phuong works as a swimming instructor at her family's business. She manages and uses multiple social media accounts, including Facebook accounts "Phuong Nguyen" and "Nguyen Phuong Korean", and TikTok accounts "Phuong Nguyen" and "Nhu Lai (Maitreya-Di Lac)".

In late May and early June, Phuong posted many videos and articles related to the bank robbery at Tra Ba Transaction Office, Vietcombank Gia Lai Branch. Some of these posts claimed that authorities had wrongfully accused individuals, allowed criminals to escape, that sentences were not severe enough, and called for a reinvestigation of the case.

Nguyen Thi Bich Phuong at the investigative agency. *Photo: Ngoc Oanh*

The investigative agency determined that these contents contained distorted and false information, using a one-sided narrative that led readers to misunderstand the case.

Additionally, Phuong used her social media accounts to post numerous articles and videos with content deemed to be distorting and insulting the prestige, honor, and dignity of some high-ranking leaders and police forces.

During questioning by the investigative agency, Phuong stated that she had read unverified and false information on social media, then selected, self-filmed videos, and posted them.

The case is currently under expanded investigation.

Tran Hoa