HANOI (Reuters) – Vietnamese authorities announced the arrest of two prominent Facebook users for alleged abuse of democratic freedoms. The arrests coincide with a period of leadership transition in the Communist-ruled nation.
Truong Huy San, a former reporter, and Tran Dinh Trien, a lawyer, were arrested for alleged democratic freedom abuse. The government’s statement cited infringement upon state interests.
Vietnam’s Communist Party, despite economic reform and some social openness, enforces strict media censorship and stifles criticism.
The statement mentioned San and Trien’s Facebook articles as infringing upon state and individual interests, lacking further detail.
Reuters could not immediately reach their lawyers for comments.
San’s and Trien’s Facebook posts were often critical of the administration and the law enforcement authorities. Their Facebook accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers disappeared from the platform less than a week ago, sparking rumours of their arrest.
The announcement of the arrests comes after the National Assembly on Thursday approved its new police minister and more than two weeks after a new state president and new parliament speaker were named amid heightened political turbulence.
The government’s Saturday statement said the police had searched San’s and Trien’s homes, adding that further investigation was underway.
The arrests come amidst a broader crackdown on online dissent in Vietnam, where authorities have been increasingly targeting individuals critical of the government. Facebook users arrests reflect a growing trend of government censorship and suppression of online dissent.
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