On the evening of 28/7, Giai Lac communal police announced the man was fined for disseminating false, fabricated, and unverified information, under Decree 174/2026.

Days earlier, he had posted images on a fanpage with thousands of followers, depicting a merger of former communes in Yen Thanh district. When a friend warned that the content was unverified, the man responded by challenging them to "report it to the police".

Giai Lac communal police confirmed the posted information was inaccurate.

Police working with the man. Photo: Hung Le

Summoned by authorities, the man admitted he had accidentally found images of a commune merger in Yen Thanh district on social media. He downloaded and posted them to various groups, aiming to "attract views and increase interaction". He has since removed the post and pledged not to re-offend.

After administrative unit restructuring in mid-2025, Nghe An province now comprises 130 communes and wards. The province has not yet announced any new phase merger plans.

On 14/7, during a meeting with the Standing Committee of Phu Tho Provincial Party Committee, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated that the Central Government does not intend to continue widespread restructuring of communes and wards. Localities should proactively review and propose adjustments to communal administrative units if necessary, based on practical requirements and legal provisions.

Duc Hung