The appellate judgment by the People's Court of Nghe An province against Tuan Anh, 27, residing in Vinh Hung ward, for disturbing public order, was announced on 29/11/2024.

The trial panel accepted Tuan Anh's appeal, citing his good character, honest confession, status as a first-time offender in a less serious case, and active participation in charity work supporting flood victims.

Defendant Tuan Anh in court. *Photo: Hung Le*

Previously, in court, Tuan Anh admitted his offense and expressed remorse. However, he argued that the sentence was too severe, hoping for leniency to return home, atone for his mistake, and care for his family. Consequently, after being sentenced to 7 months in prison, Tuan Anh appealed for a reduced sentence.

The verdict stated that at 23:30 on 31/5/2024, Tuan Anh brought his father, who was suffering from stomach pain, to Nghe An General Friendship Hospital in Vinh Phu ward (formerly part of Vinh City) for emergency treatment. During the admission process, nurse An, 29, requested the patient's health insurance card and citizen identification card.

Tuan Anh stated he only had the health insurance card, so Ms. An told him, "Once all documents are provided, admission procedures will be completed". While waiting for his family to bring the additional documents, Tuan Anh saw his father looking pale, unwell, and in pain, so he asked a doctor to check his health. After examining the abdomen, the doctor said a more in-depth check would be performed once the admission procedures were finalized.

At 23:50, when his family brought the documents, Tuan Anh gave them to Ms. An to complete the admission procedures. After receiving them, the female medical staff member said, "You and your family, please step outside".

Authorities alleged that, frustrated by seeing his father in pain and waiting for a long time without admission procedures, Tuan Anh yelled at Ms. An, saying, "We're paying to be here, not begging, so why act like this?". When Ms. An responded, "I didn't do anything", Tuan Anh rushed to where she was sitting and slapped her face twice, with one strike landing on her cheek.

Security guards and others intervened, escorting Tuan Anh to the lobby. The young man continued to shout and threaten Ms. An until a friend drove him home. On 2/6/2024, Tuan Anh surrendered to the police.

Duc Hung