The People's Court Area 2, Hanoi, was set to try Dang Chi Thanh, 31, residing in Bach Mai ward, on 26/12 for disturbing public order under clause 1, article 318 of the Penal Code.
During the procedural stage, the Trial Panel announced that Thanh had three defense lawyers, but all were involved in other cases on the same day. Consequently, they submitted a request to reschedule the trial. Thanh expressed the same desire.
The Procuracy recommended approving the request to ensure the defendant's rights as stipulated by law.
The victim was absent from court but authorized a relative to attend the hearing. The relative expressed a desire for the trial to proceed today but stated they would comply with the court's decision.
After deliberation, the Trial Panel rescheduled the trial for the morning of 7/1/2026.
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Defendant Dang Chi Thanh in court. Photo: Danh Lam |
Defendant Dang Chi Thanh in court. Photo: Danh Lam
The indictment states that at approximately 22:00 on 4/8, a conflict arose between Thanh's wife and another woman living in the apartment building's lobby playground. They argued over careless supervision of children, which led to the other woman's child hitting Thanh's child.
When Thanh's wife asked the woman to apologize and she refused, Thanh's wife called her husband. Thanh went down to the courtyard, 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 frustrated and wanted to find the neighbor to talk.
Five days later, Thanh saw the woman standing in the apartment building lobby. He approached her, demanding an apology, but she disagreed and walked away.
The prosecuting agency accused Thanh of pursuing the woman to the elevator area. "Due to frustration from feeling disrespected" and not receiving an apology, Thanh slapped her and repeatedly kicked and punched her. In front of many people, Thanh cursed and threatened to kill the victim and her child using thuggish language.
A video of Thanh's actions subsequently spread on social media.
The incident was recorded by the apartment building's camera. Photo: Cut from video |
The incident was recorded by the apartment building's camera. Photo: Cut from video
Thanh was emergency arrested the next day and is currently in temporary detention. He testified that he cursed and threatened out of frustration, losing self-control, but did not intend to take anyone's life.
The Procuracy determined that Thanh committed the offense for the first time, classifying it as a minor case. He sincerely confessed, showed remorse, and had no aggravating circumstances.
The victim was determined to have a 0% injury rate and was treated for five days at the hospital. She demanded Thanh compensate 44 million dong for hospital fees and provide civil compensation according to legal regulations.
Clause 1, article 318 of the Penal Code: disturbing public order
Anyone who disturbs public order, negatively affecting security, order, and social safety, or who has been administratively sanctioned for this act, or has been convicted of this crime, has not had the criminal record expunged, and still commits violations, shall be fined from 5 to 50 million dong, subject to non-custodial reform for up to two years, or imprisoned for three months to two years.
Hai Thu
