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Key Events Vietnamese Author and Blogger Osin Huy Duc Indicted Under Article 331 General Secretary To Lam Uses ‘Saigon’ to Illustrate Vietnam’s Lagging Progress Thich Minh Tue Resumes Pilgrimage Amid Leadership Shakeup and Internal Disputes Military Confirms Soldier’s Death Due to Illness, Family Alleges Possible Abuse Vietnam Labels US-Based BPSOS a Terror Group, Following Religious Freedom Summit Prominent Vietnamese Journalist Osin Huy Duc Indicted Under Article 331 Vietnamese journalist and author Truong Huy San, widely known by his pen name Osin Huy Duc, has been indicted on charges of “abusing democratic freedoms” under Article 331, Clause 2 of Vietnam’s Penal Code. Huy Duc was arrested in June 2024.

According to Vietnam’s state newspaper, the Supreme People's Procuratorate finalized the indictment on February 12, accusing Huy Duc of violating “state interests, rights, and legitimate interests of organizations and individuals.”

The indictment alleges that between 2015 and 2024, Huy Duc collected and shared information on his personal Facebook page, including articles deemed harmful to social order and security. Authorities claim that 13 of these articles directly infringed on the rights of individuals, organizations, and the state.

During the investigation, Huy Duc admitted that he was the author and posted the contents mentioned in the indictment but denied any intention to oppose the Communist Party of Vietnam or the state.

Born in Ha Tinh Province, Truong Huy San served in the Vietnamese Army, fighting against the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia before transitioning into journalism. Over the years, he worked for various Vietnamese newspapers, gaining recognition as a journalist, blogger and political commentator under his pen name.

Huy Duc is best known for his historical books, “Bên Thắng Cuộc” (The Winning Side) Volumes I & II, which analyzed Vietnam’s political landscape from the 1950s to the late 1990s, particularly the post-1975 period in southern Vietnam. His work has often sparked debate due to its critical perspectives on Vietnamese history and governance.

In addition to his writing, Huy Duc led “Nhịp Cầu Hoàng Sa” (The Hoang Sa Bridge), a campaign that raised financial support for families of the Republic of Vietnam soldiers who died defending Hoang Sa (Paracel Islands).

The indictment against Osin Huy Duc is part of Vietnam’s ongoing crackdown on dissent, in which the authorities frequently cited Article 331 to prosecute individuals for online commentary and political criticism. His case is expected to draw significant attention both domestically and internationally.

Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam Stresses Urgency of State Apparatus Reform Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam has emphasized the urgent need to streamline the state apparatus, stating that delaying reforms until the 14th Party Congress in January 2026 would complicate the process.

Speaking at the 9th extraordinary session of the 15th National Assembly on Feb. 13, To Lam—who represents Hanoi in the legislature—highlighted the complexity of restructuring government institutions. He noted that if reforms are postponed until after the next Congress, implementing them post-election would be far more challenging.

The push for government reorganization was first raised by To Lam in November 2024, during an extraordinary meeting of the Communist Party Central Executive Committee. Since then, the plan has been systematically developed across Vietnam’s political system, with a final decision expected by the end of February 2025.

During his speech, To Lam also drew attention to the public by referencing “Saigon,” a name that has been largely avoided in official discourse since the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after 1975. He used the historical name and the former name of the former Republic of Vietnam while also speaking about Vietnam’s current lagging development compared to its regional peers.

Lam remarked that if 50 or 60 years ago, it was a dream for Singaporeans to be treated at Cho Ray Hospital in Saigon, now the opposite is true, acknowledging that countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea have advanced significantly beyond Vietnam in terms of economic and social progress.

Alongside these discussions, Vietnam’s Minister of the Interior announced on Feb. 12 that the government had decided to drop a proposal to eliminate People's Councils at district and commune levels in the revised Law on the Organization of Local Governments.

Additionally, reports indicate a growing wave of early retirements among public officials. On Feb. 13, the provincial commissioner of Vinh Phuc revealed that approximately 300 officials in the province had voluntarily retired before reaching retirement age, reflecting broader concerns about the impact of ongoing government restructuring on civil servants.

With final decisions on government streamlining expected later this month, Vietnam’s leadership faces mounting pressure to balance reform with political stability in the lead-up to the 2026 Party Congress.

Former Army Officer to Replace Doan Van Bau in Escorting Monk Thich Minh Tue After days of internal discord, Vietnamese monk Thich Minh Tue and his delegation have resumed their pilgrimage to India, departing from Thailand on Feb. 9—this time without the presence of their former escort leader, a volunteer named Doan Van Bau.

According to BBC News , some members of the group now face the potential risk of being arrested or deported by Thai authorities due to not personally having their passports since Doan Van Bau took them to apply for visas for India. Four members, including Thich Minh Tue, reportedly submitted their passports to the Indian embassy for visa processing but have yet to receive them back. However, Thich Minh Tue has a copy of his passport, which helped confirm his identity.

A legal expert told BBC News that although entering Thailand on a tourist visa and presenting oneself as a monk could pose some legal risks, they are not significant, especially if the group has the backing of a Buddhist organization.

On Feb. 4, Le Khe Giap, an early companion of Thich Minh Tue, announced via YouTube that he, Hung, and Doan Van Bau would be leaving the group. Shortly after, Doan Van Bau revealed that former Vietnamese Army Lt. Col. Le Quang Ha had been chosen as his replacement. However, he indicated that if Ha does not fit this role, his original trio could return within 24 hours.

On February 8, Bau briefly rejoined the group, not as an escort but to discuss Buddhist precepts with Thich Minh Tue. After a three-hour conversation, Bau left, stating he would remain in Thailand.

Public attention surrounding the group's internal conflicts intensified after Bau accused several members of misbehavior in two videos published on Jan. 28 and Jan. 31 on his YouTube channel. Among his claims:

Monk Chon Tri allegedly violated group principles by purchasing a smartphone, which Bau feared could be used for outside communication, including seeking political asylum. Other monks reportedly became too emotionally attached to their families, showing signs of wavering commitment. Bau also confirmed that Thich Minh Tue questioned his ties to state agencies, a detail corroborated by the monk in an interview with BBC News on Feb. 9.

Bau, a former senior colonel in Vietnam’s police force and a lecturer at the People’s Public Security University, had previously served as the self-proclaimed leader of the escort corps, a role acknowledged by Gia Lai Provincial Police.

With Le Quang Ha now stepping in, it remains to be seen how the group's internal dynamics will evolve as Thich Minh Tue continues his pilgrimage toward India.

Vietnamese Soldier Allegedly Died of Meningococcal Infection, Family Raises Concerns Cpl. Nguyen Van Nghiep, a soldier of the 1st Military District, has died of meningococcal infection, according to a medical report from the 108th Army Central Hospital.

Nghiep, who served in the 1st Company, 4th Battalion, 12th Regiment, 3rd Division, fell ill on Feb. 9, reporting symptoms of fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. Despite receiving treatment from military hospitals, he passed away.

Following his death, authorities conducted a forensic examination in the presence of his family. His funeral was held on Feb. 11 in his hometown, Dai Lam Village, Tam Da Commune, Yen Phong District, Bac Ninh Province.

While military authorities maintain that Nghiep’s death was due to an infection, his family has expressed suspicions, claiming he had previously called home, reporting that his commander had beaten him. Nghiep enlisted in early 2024 while attending university, and his last call to his family was on the evening of Feb. 8.

The military officially informed the family of his death on Feb. 10, stating he passed away on Feb. 9.

On Feb. 12, state-run VOV newspaper published a statement urging the public not to spread unverified rumors about Nghiep’s death, warning that such speculation could harm the image of the Vietnam People's Army.

This case has drawn comparisons to the 2021 death of Tran Duc Do, a soldier who died under controversial circumstances while serving in Thai Nguyen Province. Authorities ruled it a suicide, but his family continues to claim he was physically assaulted in the military, leading to his death.

Vietnam Places US-Based BPSOS on Terror List After Religious Freedom Summit Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced on Feb. 14 that it had designated Boat People SOS (BPSOS)—a U.S.-based human rights group—as a terrorist organization. Authorities claim the group facilitated “anti-state activities” in Vietnam, an accusation firmly denied by its representatives.

In a statement on its official Facebook page, the MPS alleged that BPSOS operates under the guise of “refugee relief” but secretly supports anti-government groups, including individuals linked to the June 11, 2023 attack in Dak Lak, which Vietnamese authorities labelled terrorism.

According to RFA Vietnamese, Nguyen Dinh Thang, chairman and CEO of BPSOS, condemned the Vietnamese government’s designation, stating that it damages Vietnam’s international credibility.

“They know very well who has been working with BPSOS for decades—the U.S. government, 40 countries in the International Religious Freedom Coalition, and UN human rights institutions,” Thang said.

He further suggested that Vietnam is resorting to fear tactics to silence domestic critics who communicate with international organizations about human rights violations.

BPSOS recently participated in the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C., from Feb. 4–5, where more than 40 parliamentarians joined discussions on global religious rights. Three Vietnamese religious representatives invited to the summit were blocked at Vietnam’s airport for “security reasons.”

Former U.S. Ambassador for Religious Freedom Sam Brownback criticized Vietnam’s actions, warning that they could push the country back onto the U.S. “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) list for religious repression.

The move against BPSOS follows a similar March 6, 2024 decision in which Vietnam declared Montagnard Stand for Justice (MSFJ) a terrorist group for its alleged role in the Dak Lak attacks—an accusation MSFJ also denies.

Vietnamese Citizen Summoned by Police Over Facebook Comment on Decree 168 RFA Vietnamese reported that police summoned a resident of Quang Nam Province after commenting on social media about Decree 168, a new law regulating traffic violation penalties that took effect earlier this year.

According to the official website of Quang Nam Province, on Feb. 13, police identified N.H.S. (born 1993, residing in Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province) as the person behind a comment criticizing the decree on the Dien Ban Facebook page, which has over 100,000 followers.

Using the Facebook account "Tiger General," N.H.S. responded to a post about increased fines for running red lights, calling Decree 168 “evil” and questioning the fairness of penalizing drivers for minor timing mistakes at traffic signals. The comment allegedly suggested that such policies could lead to unintended accidents.

The Quang Nam Police Department for Political Security accused N.H.S. of spreading “distorted and false comments” that could undermine the credibility of state institutions. Authorities reported that after being summoned, N.H.S. admitted wrongdoing and voluntarily removed the comment.

It remains unclear whether N.H.S. faced any formal punishment, but officials confirmed that police are "consolidating the dossier" to proceed with legal action.

Since Decree 168 came into effect, criticism has surged online. In response, police have escalated sanctions against dissenters, summoning at least three individuals and imposing fines ranging from 5 to 7 million dong. Authorities have also forced citizens to delete critical posts and pledge not to reoffend.

The case highlights Vietnam’s tightening grip on online dissent, particularly against policies facing public opposition.

Hanoi Enhances Traffic Monitoring with 600 New Surveillance Cameras Hanoi’s Traffic Police Department has plans to install 600 AI-powered surveillance cameras to enhance traffic management and law enforcement across the city. These high-tech cameras operate 24 hours a day monitoring and recording violations such as running red lights, illegal parking, and entering restricted areas.

The surveillance system transmits real-time footage to the Traffic Command Center, where officers analyze violations and coordinate with on-patrol units to issue immediate fines or send remote violation notices. The initiative is part of Hanoi’s broader efforts to modernize traffic enforcement, reduce congestion, and improve road safety.

According to local authorities, these AI-equipped cameras are designed to enhance efficiency in handling administrative violations while reducing the need for direct human intervention. This automated system relies on accurate video evidence to help ensure fairness and transparency in law enforcement.

Beyond detecting traffic offenses, the system is crucial in monitoring road conditions. It can quickly identify accidents, traffic jams, and other emergencies, allowing authorities to respond promptly. Officials expect this initiative to contribute significantly to public safety and urban mobility by preventing accidents and ensuring smoother traffic flow.

Hanoi has seen a rise in traffic violations in recent years, contributing to congestion and road safety concerns. The new surveillance system is expected to serve as a deterrent to reckless driving and other infractions. Authorities also hope that the technology-driven approach will streamline the penalty process, making enforcing fines easier and improving compliance with traffic laws.

The city plans to expand this system further, integrating it with other smart city initiatives to create a more advanced and efficient traffic management network.

Australia Condemns 'Unsafe' Chinese Aircraft Maneuver Over South China Sea Australia has issued a formal complaint against China following a dangerous encounter in the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.

On Feb. 11, a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft was conducting a routine surveillance mission when it was intercepted by a Chinese J-16 fighter jet. The Chinese aircraft released flares in close proximity to the Australian plane, an action Australia described as "unsafe and unprofessional," posing significant risk to both the aircraft and its crew.

Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized the potential danger, noting that if any of the flares had struck the P-8, it could have caused substantial damage.

RFA reported that in response, China dismissed Australia's complaint, accusing the Australian aircraft of deliberately intruding into Chinese airspace over the Paracel Islands, which China refers to as Xisha Qundao.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China's actions were "legitimate, lawful, professional, and restrained," urging Australia to cease what it termed provocations and infringements on China's sovereignty.

This incident adds to the growing tensions in the region, as both nations assert their military presence over contested territories in the South China Sea.

Quick Takes: Vietnamese Activist Detained in Cambodia Over Alleged Fake Passport Vietnamese human rights activist Huynh Trong Hieu was detained by Cambodian authorities at Phnom Penh Airport on Feb. 3, 2025, for allegedly using a fake passport while en route to the United States. Hieu's sister, blogger Huynh Thuc Vy, asserts that his passport, issued in July 2024, is legitimate and that he holds a valid U.S. visa. The family urged Vietnamese authorities to collaborate with the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia to secure his safe return.

Temu to Refund Vietnamese Customers for Undelivered Orders On Feb. 9, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed that Temu will refund customers who have not received their products. The platform’s Vietnamese version was locked per government orders, while Temu is now registering with authorities to resume operations in the country.

Former Monk Indicted for Child Molestation in An Giang On Feb. 12, the People's Procuratoracy Office of An Giang Province issued an indictment charging Doan Quoc Thai (monastic name Thich Phuoc Tri), the former vice rector of Thanh Hoa Pagoda in Cho Moi District, on charges of sexually assaulting a person under the age of 16 and performing other sexual acts with a person aged between 13 and and 16 years of age. Authorities allege that between 2018 and 2024, Thai molested three boys and a girl at the Thanh Hoa Pagoda.

New Drafts in Press Law of Vietnam on Content Use Vietnam’s draft amended Press Law requires online platforms and social networks to secure permission before using news from state press agencies. It also proposes banning journalist cards for those in scientific journals. The regulation aims to clarify content usage and media credentials in the digital age.

Vietnam Issues New Regulations on Private Tutoring Under Circular 29/2024/TT-BGDĐT, effective Feb. 14, 2025, Vietnamese teachers must register as businesses to offer paid private tutoring outside schools. The regulation bans extra classes for primary students, except in special cases. Additionally, teachers cannot charge students for courses they already teach in school.

Vietnam to Cooperate with U.S. on Deportations Vietnam affirms readiness to collaborate with the U.S. in receiving deported nationals, following agreements between the two countries. The Foreign Ministry hopes the U.S. will continue favorable residency conditions for Vietnamese citizens, enhancing bilateral ties.

Vietnam Insight: Learn more about Vietnam Vietnam Open to Boosting US Agricultural Imports as Tariff Risks Rise Reuters/Khanh Vu and Francesco Guarascio/Feb. 14

“Vietnam stands ready to import more farm products from the United States, according to a statement from trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien on Friday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would start imposing global reciprocal tariffs.

The Southeast Asian export hub, home to manufacturing operations of multinationals including Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab and Samsung (005930.KS), opens new tab, could be hit hard by any new tariffs. Last year, it posted a record $123.5 billion trade surplus with the U.S., the largest after China, the European Union and Mexico.

‘Vietnam is ready to open its market and increase imports of agricultural products from the United States,’ Dien told U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper at a meeting this week, the Vietnamese government said on Friday.

More than one-fourth of U.S. exports to Vietnam last year were agricultural products, mostly cotton, soybeans and tree nuts, for a total value of $3.4 billion, according to U.S. government data.”

Vietnam Indicts Journalist Osin Huy Duc for “Abusing Democratic Freedoms”

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