Vietnamese authorities have arrested two prominent Facebook users on charges of abusing democratic freedoms. This development comes amid a significant leadership reshuffle in the Communist-ruled nation.
The government announced on Saturday that former journalist Truong Huy San, 62, and lawyer Tran Dinh Trien, 65, were detained for allegedly “abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state.”
San and Trien are accused of posting articles on Facebook that violated state interests and the lawful rights of organisations and individuals. The government’s statement did not provide further details about the specific posts.
Despite extensive economic reforms and a growing acceptance of social change, Vietnam’s Communist Party maintains strict control over the media and brooks little criticism.
The arrest of San and Trien highlights the continuing crackdown on dissent in the country. Efforts to reach their lawyers for comments were unsuccessful.
San and Trien were known for their critical posts about the government and law enforcement authorities. Their Facebook accounts, each with hundreds of thousands of followers, vanished from the platform less than a week ago, sparking rumours about their arrest.
These posts often scrutinised the administration’s policies and the actions of law enforcement, reflecting the growing discontent among some segments of the Vietnamese population.
The arrests follow the National Assembly’s approval of a new police minister on Thursday. This event occurred just over two weeks after a new state president and parliament speaker were appointed, amid a period of significant political turbulence.
The recent political changes are part of a broader effort by the Communist Party to consolidate power and maintain stability.
The government’s statement also mentioned that police had searched the homes of San and Trien and that an investigation was ongoing. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the already limited space for free expression in Vietnam.
As the authorities continue to tighten their grip, the international community remains watchful of the developments in this Southeast Asian nation.
With Inputs From Reuters
