Nguyen Hoang Nhat (third from right) and his accomplices temporarily detained. *Photo: Can Tho Police*

Soc Trang Ward Police in Can Tho City announced on 9/6 that Nhat, 42, a local coffin shop owner, is under investigation for public disturbance, pursuant to Article 318 of the Penal Code.

Six other individuals accused as accomplices are: Pham Quoc Em, Ly Thanh Liem, Nguyen Quoc Khai, Pham Van Loc, Co Minh Duc, and Cao Van Ven. They are aged 19-48 and reside in An Giang province and Can Tho City.

Ven, Liem, Duc, and Em were identified as the coffin bearers. Loc was the person lying inside the coffin, while Khai held a flag and danced.

Investigators are currently verifying and addressing the actions of two other related individuals in Can Tho and Vinh Long province.

The group parading the coffin on the evening of 4/6 in Soc Trang ward. *Photo: Screen grab from citizen's video*

According to initial investigation, on the evening of 4/6, Nguyen Hoang Nhat hosted a birthday party at the Nhat Tam coffin shop on Le Duan Street, Soc Trang ward.

The party was staged to mimic a funeral, complete with a coffin, a condolence table, a memorial photo, a brass band, mourners, and votive paper burning. When the cake was cut, the brass band played farewell music.

Near the end of the party, a group carried a coffin from the tent into the middle of the street. Several individuals took turns climbing into the coffin, were carried out, and then danced, causing public disorder. Images and videos of the incident were later posted on social media.

Speaking with authorities, Nhat stated it was his birthday party. Investigations confirmed the coffin parade lasted about three minutes.

Authorities also noted that in the widely circulated video, Nhat stood on the median, swayed to the music, and made no effort to stop the participants.

An Binh