VietNamNet Bridge – The Tuy Phong District People’s Court in the central province of Binh Thuan handed out jail sentences ranging from two to three and a half years to 15 defendants involved in disturbances of social order at Hoa Minh Commune and Song Luy Bridge on June 10 at a trial on Thursday.

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Defendants involved in disturbances of social order at Hoa Minh Commune and Song Luy Bridge on June 10 at court. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Thanh

The defendants were convicted of “causing public disorder” in accordance with Clause 2, Articles 318 of the 2015 Penal Code.

According to the indictment, between 8am and 11pm on June 10 last year, people gathered on National Highway 1A, located in Tuy Phong District’s Hoa Minh Commune and Song Luy Bridge area in Bac Ninh District’s Phan Ri Cua Town. A number of extremists incited the crowd, causing public disorder, leading to serious traffic congestion on National Highway 1A and the area close to Song Luy Bridge.

They also attacked police who were in charge of protecting public order and directing traffic with sticks, bricks and stones.

Police and local government used loudspeakers to ask participants to disperse but they didn’t comply. They continued attacking the mobile police force on National Highway 1A. They also damaged a number of motorbikes and cars and caused serious congestion until 11pm. Several police officers were injured.

The jury said their actions had serious consequences for public security and social safety so strict punishments should be imposed to prevent similar crimes.  However, the jury said, the defendants had told the truth and admitted their acts were illegal. Thus, there were extenuating circumstances.

Ho Thai Ha was sentenced to three years and 6 months in prison. Nguyen Thanh Phuong, Tran Ho, Huynh Van Su, Pham Van Man, Dang Ngoc Tan, Nguyen Van Hieu and Nguyen Thi Lien got three years in prison. Nguyen Truong Vinh Phuc, Kinh Tan Hoach, Nguyen Tan Dong and Nguyen Duy Sang will each serve two years and six months behind bars. The court also gave jail sentences of two years to Le Minh Truong, Le Thi Ngoc Anh and Pham Thi Minh Thu.

Source: VNS