On 3/4, the Hanoi People's Court heard an appeal in the public disturbance case involving Dang Chi Thanh, 31, residing in Bach Mai Ward. The appeal was filed by the civil plaintiff.

In January, Thanh was sentenced by the first-instance court to six months in prison and ordered to pay 51 million VND in compensation. Following the initial verdict, the plaintiff appealed, demanding an additional 139 million VND for lost income and caregiver expenses.

At the appellate hearing, the defendant did not appear in court, requesting to be tried in absentia as he had already completed his six-month prison sentence.

Although the victim did not provide documentation, the appellate panel found a factual basis indicating she lost seven working days and incurred ambulance costs. Therefore, Thanh was ordered to pay an additional 4 million VND.

Dang Chi Thanh at the first-instance hearing. Photo: Danh Lam

The first-instance verdict determined that around 22h on 4/8, at a playground in a Hanoi apartment building, Thanh's wife and another female resident had a dispute. They argued about negligent child supervision, which led to the other woman's child hitting Thanh's child.

When Thanh's wife asked the woman for an apology and did not receive one, she called her husband. Thanh went down to the playground, saw the two women arguing, and intervened. Upon returning home, after hearing his wife recount being cursed at and their child being slandered, Thanh became aggravated and wanted to confront the neighbor.

Five days later, Thanh saw the woman in the apartment building lobby. He approached her, demanding an apology, but she refused and walked away.

Prosecuting authorities accused Thanh of chasing after the woman near the elevator. Aggravated by feeling disrespected and not receiving an apology, Thanh slapped and repeatedly kicked and punched the victim. In front of many witnesses, Thanh verbally abused and threatened to kill the victim and her child with aggressive language.

A video of Thanh's actions quickly spread on social media. He was arrested urgently the next day.

At the first-instance hearing, Thanh testified that he was frustrated when the neighbor said, "no one wants to play with your child," leading to an exchange of words. The next day, when he met her again, Thanh stated he asked, "Do you have anything to say to my wife and child?" She replied, "no," which caused Thanh to rush in and assault her.

Thanh admitted to being stressed due to family issues. He added that the victim also called family members down and loudly cursed. "Seeing many people arrive, I lost composure and, in my frustration, cursed loudly back," Thanh explained.

Meanwhile, a representative for the victim's family stated that the two sides had no prior conflict and their child did not hit Thanh's child.

Thanh admitted to using aggressive language while assaulting the victim, but claimed the words slipped out inadvertently and he had no intention to kill as threatened. Thanh acknowledged his wrongful actions, affirming that no one instigated or incited him during the assault.

In his final statement, Thanh said he "had limited social interaction, resulting in restricted awareness" but enough to know that assaulting someone is against the law.

Hai Thu