On 17/8, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced Ho Thi Hai, 45, residing in Quynh Mai ward, for abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State, and the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals, under Article 331, Clause 2 of the Criminal Code.

The trial panel determined that the defendant's actions exceeded the limits of exercising freedom of speech, negatively impacting security, order, and social safety.

Defendant Hai at court. Photo: Hung Le

According to the indictment, in 2025, Hai used her Facebook account and Zalo groups to post and share numerous articles, images, videos, and messages. These contents were identified as "false, unverified, distorted, slanderous, and insulting to the reputation of agencies, organizations, and the honor and dignity of individuals".

Hai's Facebook account had approximately 13,000 followers and over 3,300 friends. The investigation determined that the content of the posts primarily related to the defendant's grievances during the implementation of a project to upgrade and expand National Route 1 through Quynh Mai ward, and issues concerning compensation and site clearance support.

The investigative agency collected 13 Facebook posts and 59 screenshots of messages Hai sent in various Zalo groups. A forensic examination concluded that 11 of these messages contained false information that caused public confusion. Additionally, these messages incited, enticed, and provoked others to gather in large numbers, obstructing the activities of agencies and organizations, and negatively impacting security and order.

Huong Giang