Key Events 

• Hà Nội Steps up Crackdown: Arrest Warrant Issued for Journalist Đoàn Bảo Châu;
• Việt Nam Tightens Grip on Cyberspace with New Controls Over Social Media Influencers;
• Government  Completes Land Reclamation Across All Spratly Outposts, Closing Gap with China;
• Trade Ministry Proposes Electricity Price Hike to Offset EVN’s $1.8 Billion Losses.

Việt Nam Seeks Arrest of Veteran Journalist Đoàn Bảo Châu

The authorities have intensified the repression of independent journalism by issuing an arrest warrant for prominent journalist and blogger Đoàn Bảo Châu, marking the latest blow to free speech in the country. On Aug. 14, the Hà Nội Police Investigation Bureau formally charged Châu under Article 117 of Vietnam’s Penal Code—accusing him of propagandizing against the state, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that Châu previously worked as a photojournalist for major international media outlets, including the Associated Press, Reuters, AFP, The New York Times, and Forbes. Châu now only writes on his personal Facebook page, which has amassed over 200,000 followers.