On 3/9, Giap Thi Song Huong (51, owner of the Hoa Hong Shelter) was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison by the Ho Chi Minh City Family and Juvenile Court for the crime of "abusing others" under Article 140 of the penal code.

Related to the case, caregivers Nguyen Thi Ngoc Cam (47) and Diep Ngoc Tuyen (48) received 2-year sentences, while Trang My Nhanh (72) received a 1-year sentence for the same crime.

Defendant Giap Song Huong and caregivers at the court. Photo: Hai Duyen

The indictment stated the Hoa Hong Shelter was licensed to care for a maximum of 39 children, but Huong exceeded this limit, overwhelming the caregivers and leading to the abuse.

From July 2023 to 4/9/2024, the defendants repeatedly abused children at the shelter. Specifically, while caring for children in rooms 101 and 202 at night, they frequently verbally abused and physically assaulted the children during diaper changes and feedings, using their hands, plastic mop handles, wooden chopsticks, and other objects. They also lifted and threw children onto mattresses and slapped them repeatedly.

The caregivers' actions were discovered in September 2024. Local authorities immediately transferred 86 children to public social welfare facilities for medical examinations, initial health care, and continued care.

In court, Huong admitted to the offenses as described in the indictment. She explained that the shelter was licensed for 39 children, but many families brought their children there, leading to overcrowding.

"I wanted to return the children but couldn't contact their families," Huong stated. The judge pointed out that if overcrowding prevented proper care, she should have notified local authorities and relevant agencies to transfer the children to other shelters, rather than resorting to abuse.

Huong admitted her wrongdoing and said she had advised the other caregivers to remain calm despite the challenging childcare situation. However, due to the overcrowding, the newly hired caregivers had only received brief training.

Expressing remorse, Huong mentioned her past charitable activities and her family's contributions to the revolution, asking the court for leniency.

Cam stated she started working at the shelter in June 2023. She had no professional training and only knew basic childcare. She admitted to verbally abusing and physically harming the children as described in the indictment.

Similarly, the other defendants admitted their wrongdoing and expressed remorse.

Hai Duyen