The Hanoi Police Security Investigation Agency implemented a decision on 7/1 to prosecute and detain Thai, 45 years old, residing in Thanh Ha urban area, Binh Minh commune. She faces charges of "making, storing, disseminating, or propagating information, documents, and items against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam" under Article 117 of the Penal Code.

The Hanoi People's Procuracy approved these decisions and procedural orders.

Thai is known as a Facebook user. On the social media platform, where she has thousands of followers, Thai regularly posted articles and comments on various topics.

Hoang Thi Hong Thai at the investigation agency. Photo: Provided by police

Article 117 of the Penal Code stipulates that anyone who makes, stores, disseminates, or propagates information, documents, or items that distort or defame the people's administration; fabricate information to cause public confusion; or engage in psychological warfare will be sentenced to imprisonment from 5 to 12 years. Those who commit the crime in especially serious circumstances will face imprisonment from 10 to 20 years. Individuals preparing to commit this crime will be sentenced to imprisonment from one year to 5 years.