Ho Chi Minh Times

Saturday, Dec 14, 2024

Vietnam Sentences Blogger Abducted from Thailand to 12 Years

Duong Van Thai convicted for anti-state content dissemination
Vietnamese blogger Duong Van Thai has received a 12-year prison sentence for disseminating content deemed anti-state, following reports of his abduction from Thailand.

Thai, known for his critical YouTube livestreams about Vietnamese authorities, was charged with defamation and inciting public disorder via his social media accounts, according to Ha Tinh province's news website.

After reportedly being kidnapped in Thailand in April 2023, Thai resurfaced in Vietnamese custody.

State media claim he also managed a Facebook group spreading misinformation about Vietnamese leaders.

Post-sentence, he will remain under supervision for three years, as ruled by a closed trial at the Hanoi People’s Court.

Human Rights Watch has condemned his abduction, asserting he was forcibly taken back to Vietnam.

Friends claim Thai would not have voluntarily returned, recounting witness reports of suspicious cars blocking his motorcycle before his last reported sighting in Thailand.

Duong Van Thai had fled to Thailand in 2019 and was granted refugee status prior to his disappearance.
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