Listen to the article
Vietnamese journalist Huynh Ngoc Tuan was arrested on October 7 in Dak Lak province on charges of “propagandizing against the state,” sparking renewed concerns about press freedom in Vietnam.
Authorities took Tuan into custody at his home in Buon Ho town, according to his daughter, journalist Huynh Thuc Vy, who communicated with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The charge falls under Article 117 of Vietnam’s penal code, which carries severe penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment.
“Huynh Ngoc Tuan’s arrest is a stark reminder of Vietnam’s intolerance for dissent,” said Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s senior Southeast Asia representative. “Tuan’s independent journalism contributes balance to Vietnam’s highly censored public discourse — his detention only deepens the nation’s press freedom crisis.”
This isn’t Tuan’s first encounter with Vietnam’s restrictive media laws. The independent journalist and writer previously served a 10-year prison sentence for his critical writings. In recent years, he has maintained an active presence on Facebook, where he regularly posts commentary on Vietnamese politics, human rights issues, and international affairs.
In 2012, Tuan received the prestigious Hellman/Hammett award from Human Rights Watch, an honor bestowed upon writers who face persecution for their work. The award recognized his commitment to independent journalism despite significant personal risk.
The journalist’s family has endured a pattern of government harassment over the years, according to Vy. This includes home raids, constant surveillance, confiscation of computers and documents, and restrictions on travel. Vy herself recently completed a prison sentence of two years and nine months for defacing a national flag, further illustrating the pressure placed on the entire family.
Tuan’s health is a significant concern following his arrest. According to his daughter, he suffers from severe diabetes that requires daily insulin injections. Vy has expressed worry about whether her father will receive proper medical care while detained at the Dak Lak Provincial Police Detention Center.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has not responded to CPJ’s request for comment on the arrest.
The detention comes amid a broader crackdown on independent journalism in Vietnam. The country ranked seventh on CPJ’s 2024 census of the world’s worst jailers of journalists, reflecting a systematic approach to silencing critical voices.
Media freedom organizations have documented a troubling trend in Vietnam of using vaguely worded national security laws to target journalists and commentators. Article 117, under which Tuan is charged, has been particularly criticized by international human rights groups for its broad application against peaceful expression.
The Southeast Asian nation has intensified its efforts to control online speech in recent years, targeting not only traditional journalists but also bloggers and social media commentators. Facebook, where Tuan shared his political views, has become a particular focus of government monitoring.
Vietnam’s approach to media control stands in contrast to its economic liberalization efforts. While the country has opened its markets significantly in recent decades, becoming an important manufacturing hub and trading partner for many Western nations, political and press freedoms remain severely restricted.
Press freedom advocates argue that cases like Tuan’s highlight the need for diplomatic pressure from Vietnam’s economic partners, many of whom have trade agreements that include human rights provisions.
As Tuan begins what could be a lengthy legal process, journalists and human rights organizations worldwide are calling for his immediate and unconditional release, viewing his case as emblematic of Vietnam’s ongoing press freedom crisis.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
Vietnam’s arrest of journalist Huynh Ngoc Tuan on propaganda charges is an alarming violation of press freedom. The government’s intolerance for independent reporting and dissenting views is extremely worrying. I hope Tuan is released and the international community condemns this blatant attack on free expression.
It’s disappointing but not surprising to see Vietnam arrest another journalist on propaganda charges. The country has a long history of suppressing independent media and critical voices. I hope Tuan’s case draws more attention to the dire state of press freedom in Vietnam.
This case highlights the Vietnamese government’s crackdown on press freedom and dissenting views. Tuan’s arrest for his independent journalism is deeply troubling. I hope the international outcry over this case pressures Vietnam to release him and respect the right to free expression.
Agreed, Vietnam’s actions against journalists like Tuan are a major setback for press freedom in the country. The government seems intent on tightening its grip on information and silencing critical voices, which is extremely concerning.
It’s deeply troubling to see Vietnam continuing to arrest journalists and restrict press freedom. Tuan’s case is just the latest example of the government’s efforts to control the narrative and silence critical voices. I hope this draws more international attention to the worsening situation for media in the country.
This is a concerning development for press freedom in Vietnam. Tuan’s arrest on propaganda charges seems to be yet another attempt by the government to silence critical voices and limit independent reporting. I hope Tuan is released soon and can continue his important work.
Repeated crackdowns on journalists and dissent in Vietnam are deeply troubling. Tuan’s previous prison sentence for his writings is a worrying sign of the government’s intolerance for critical coverage. I hope the international community closely monitors this case and applies pressure for Tuan’s release.
You’re right, this pattern of arrests and harsh sentences for journalists in Vietnam is very concerning. The government appears determined to tightly control the narrative and stifle dissent, which is a dangerous path for democracy.