The trial is scheduled to begin on 17/6.
The Hai Ha Social Work Center is a non-public facility directed by Nguyen Van Hai. The center is licensed to provide counseling, intervention support, and therapy for troubled or difficult-to-manage adolescents.
During its operation, over 70 residents were sent to the center by their families. However, instead of employing psychological education, the center's management is accused of maintaining a system of corporal punishment. Residents who failed to comply with regulations or attempted to escape were reportedly beaten by staff and a group of self-governing residents as a deterrent.
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Nguyen Van Hai, director of Hai Ha Social Work Center, hears police deliver procedural decisions. *Xuan Hoa* |
One of the victims was Bui Tien Manh, 23. On 19/12/2025, after refusing to remain at the center, Manh was surrounded and beaten by staff and the self-governing resident group. The indictment states he was repeatedly hit with feet, hands, rubber sticks, and wooden sticks on his chest, back, and buttocks, causing health injuries.
On 21/12/2025, Pham Hai Nam, 17, was brought by relatives to the center's facility 2 in An Sinh ward to enroll. Because Nam did not want to stay, he repeatedly tried to leave and failed to comply with regulations, leading to continuous beatings.
On 21/12/2025 and 22/12/2025, Nam was beaten dozens of times with wooden sticks on his arms, legs, and buttocks by Pham Hong Thai, a security staff member at the center, and the self-governing resident group.
The situation escalated on the morning of 23/12/2025, when Nam was slapped and beaten with a pith helmet and rubber stick by center staff. During the assault, Thai also instructed others, "Spare the head, only hit from the neck down." Following Thai's orders, the group of adolescents continuously assaulted and tied him to a window.
Over a week after Nam's death, Quang Ninh Provincial Police initiated criminal proceedings and arrested those involved.
The trial on 17/6 will prosecute five defendants under 18 years old accused of direct involvement in the assaults.
Regarding Nguyen Van Hai, the center's director, and other adult staff involved, investigators have separated their cases into a different proceeding.
Le Tan
