VietNamNet Bridge – The Soc Trang Province People's Court early this week opened the appellate court for a defendant who asked the My Tu District People’s Court to pay compensation of VND500 million ($25,000) for its wrongful verdict.

Hieu disagreed with the appellate judgment.

The victim (plaintiff) is Truong Hoang Hieu, 29, from Ho Dac Kien Commune, Chau Thanh district, Soc Trang province. Hieu was falsely imprisoned for 844 days.

A scuffle occurred at about 9pm on December 1, 2006. The people involved are: Nguyen Van Teo, Nguyen Xuan Kien, Chiem Hoang Nhanh, Nguyen Hoang Dinh, Tran Trung Hieu, Thanh and Du. These men went to Truong Hoang Hieu’s home in Dac Luc Hamlet, Ho Dac Kien commune on three motorcycles. At Hieu’s home, a scuffle between Teo and Hieu occurred.

Hieu’s father, Truong Hoang Khai ran out from his home with a stick to help his son. Teo immediately fled. Hieu took a knife to chase Teo. On the way, he met Nhanh. Scuffle happened between them.

The Investigation Agency concluded that Hieu stabbed Nhanh, with health damage of 25%. Hieu was temporarily detained and the Procuracy charged him with "intentionally causing injury." When Hieu was arrested, he was a fourth-year student of the Nha Trang Economic College.

However, the later investigation results and at the court Hieu’s crime was not proved. Hieu was concluded to be guiltless and released after 844 days in prison.

Hieu and his parents.

The My Tu district People’s Court, which made the wrongful verdict against Hieu, agreed to pay compensation of VND128 million for Hieu’s 844 days in prison but Hieu did not accept. He claimed VND524 million.

Hieu asked the defendant is My Tu District People's Court to compensate the total amount of 524 million.

However, the appeal court rejected Hieu’s claim.

Hieu said he would continue to lodge the complaint to the Supreme People's Court. He also wants to clarify responsibility of individuals, groups related to the case.
 
Quoc Huy