As cited from the New York Times, a court in southern Vietnam has jailed an activist for 27 months for Facebook posts that contain offensive and insulting contents intended to the ruling Communist Party and government that reflect anti-government posts.
Doan Khanh Vinh Quang, 42, was found guilty of "abusing of democratic freedom to infringe on the legitimate interests of the state" by the court after a one-day trial Monday (24/09).
The judges commented on Quang’s action, "actively abetted hostile and reactionary forces from inside and outside the country" especially those who want to overturn the ruling party and government.
Quang was not alone. He actually was the third activist to be imprisoned in a week’s time over the similar charge.
As written by Chanel News Asia on Tuesday (25/09), Facebook is well connected to Vietnam’s information ministry. Thus, the direct channel facilitates the government’s instruction to block, remove, or suspend accounts and posts that violate the law.
However, it does not mean all the requirements and expectations of the ministry are satisfied. Acting information minister Nguyen Manh Hung this month requested to arrange a working group to improve communications between the government and Facebook.