Hanoi police investigators revealed their findings in a July 10 document responding to Nha Nam Culture and Communications Joint Stock Company. This followed Nha Nam's official request for information on the "final form of action" taken against Dang Hoang Giang.
On 22/7, Nha Nam told VnExpress that Giang’s social media posts "created a media frenzy" and "caused significant damage to Nha Nam and its director, Nguyen Nhat Anh." "Subjective elements and emotional interpretations can lead to biased conclusions. Therefore, the company referred the matter to the authorities for investigation and resolution in accordance with the law," a company representative said.
VnExpress contacted Dang Hoang Giang for comment but has not yet been able to speak with him.
Nha Nam and Nguyen Nhat Anh previously filed a complaint alleging Giang spread "false information, slander, defamation, and abused democratic freedoms to infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of the organization and individuals."
Investigators concluded that Giang's Facebook posts under the account name "Giang Dang" showed signs of “abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the lawful rights and interests of the organization,” a violation of Article 331 of the penal code. However, they determined the actions didn’t warrant criminal charges, suggesting alternative measures.
On 26/6, investigators decided against pursuing criminal charges and recommended that Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports issue an administrative fine against Giang under Decree 15/2020. They also recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs revoke Giang’s work permit under Decree 152/2020, which governs foreign workers in Vietnam and the recruitment and management of Vietnamese employees working for foreign organizations and individuals.
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Dr. Dang Hoang Giang. |
Dang Hoang Giang, 60, an Austrian citizen, is a psychologist, development specialist, social activist, and policy researcher and advocate. He is the author of "Black Ocean" and "Buc xuc khong lam ta vo can" (Indignation Does Not Make Us Innocent). He is also known for his work advocating for women's and children's rights.
The controversy began on 5/4/2024 when Giang emailed Nha Nam to terminate their collaboration. In the email, he mentioned his sibling’s distress caused by Anh’s “actions and words.” He stated that “these words and physical contact were of a sexual nature, crossed boundaries, and caused a young employee to feel frightened, confused, stressed, hurt, and disrespected.”
Ten days later, Giang publicly announced the end of his partnership with Nha Nam on Facebook. Leaked information from the prior email led many to believe the decision stemmed from Giang's allegations of Anh's inappropriate behavior towards a female employee. Following this, several authors also ceased working with Nha Nam.
After the news spread, Anh issued an apology through Nha Nam's official fan page to staff, colleagues, friends, partners, and readers. He admitted to actions intended to "show care and affection" towards the female employee but claimed they did not violate ethical boundaries and occurred within a specific context. He said he hadn’t anticipated the potential for causing harm.
Anh was temporarily suspended as director but has since returned to his position.
Nha Nam, operating since 2005, is a cultural services and publishing company. It has a large, loyal readership due to its high-quality books and attractive designs.
