On 9/12/2024, the Hanoi People's Court convened an appellate session to review appeals for reduced sentences from a group of teenagers and young adults, aged 15-21, all residing in the former Thach That district, who were responsible for 12 assaults and license plate thefts.
The prosecutor's representative recommended that the trial panel reject all appeals, as the defendants presented no new mitigating circumstances. The People's Procuracy noted that during today's hearing, the defendants appeared cheerful and laughed, showing no sincerity or remorse, thus providing no basis for sentence reduction.
Defendants in court on 9/12/2024. Photo: Danh Lam
Following deliberations, the trial panel rejected the appeals, upholding the initial verdicts. Accordingly, Nguyen Minh Tam, 16, received 6 years and 6 months; Phi Van Quang, 16, and Chu Dang Khanh, 15, each received 5 years and 6 months in prison for property theft. The remaining 10 defendants, aged 17-21, were convicted of property theft and disturbing public order, with sentences ranging from 4 years and 9 months to 11 years and 6 months in prison.
The initial verdict by Hanoi Regional Court 9, announced in late September, determined that in mid-July 2024, after observing groups of teenagers posting photos of gatherings and fights on Facebook, the 13 defendants conspired to prepare 5 iron pipes, swords, and machetes.
On the evening of 9/8/2024, the defendants brought a 1-meter long sword and glass beer bottles to "cause trouble", meaning they would assault any young person they disliked, according to the indictment.
The group used three motorbikes, with 3-4 people on each, riding around the former Thach That district, yelling, cursing, chasing, assaulting, and throwing 15 glass bottles at pedestrians.
After several incidents of disturbing public order throughout the night, on the evening of 15/8/2024, Tam's group gathered at Huy's house to adjust their strategy. They agreed that if they encountered young people their age, they would spare fellow Thach That residents. However, they would pursue those from other districts, slash their license plates, and post them on TikTok for bragging rights.
That same night, the group committed three incidents. This method of crime was repeated by the defendants throughout August, totaling 12 incidents and the theft of 14 license plates.
Victims sustained minor injuries, some refused medical examination, while many victims' identities remain undetermined.
Three teenagers, who were only 14 years old when they participated in the disturbances, received administrative penalties and were placed under local educational supervision.
Hai Thu
