On August 28, Phuong, 56, and Thu, 53, were temporarily detained by Gia Lai provincial police for disturbing public order, under Article 318 of the Criminal Code.

According to investigators, since July 17, Hoang Phat Investment and General Construction Co., Ltd. has been implementing permitted sand mining activities. The company is also constructing an urgent embankment to prevent erosion along the residential area of An Huu village, continuing into An Tuong commune.

During this period, some residents of An Huu village frequently gathered at the Kim Son river area in An Tuong commune, setting up tents and obstructing the company's sand mining operations, police said.

Investigators allege that Phuong and Thu incited residents to gather, disturbing public order and affecting the operations of the company and local authorities.

Tran Nguyen Nhu Phuong (red shirt) and Pham Thi Minh Thu at the time of their arrest. Photo: Gia Lai Police

Tran Hoa