Authorities initiated legal actions against Chinese individuals accused of disrespecting the tomb of a 15th-century monarch.
Title: Chinese Nationals Face Charges for Desecrating Vietnamese Royal Tomb
In the heart of central Vietnam, the province of Thanh Hoá has witnessed a stirring incident. Two Chinese nationals, Shen Jiangyang, 43, and Deng Zhiji, 41, natives of Guangxi Province, China, have been apprehended for allegedly vandalizing the tomb of King Lê Túc Tông, a 16th-century monarch of the Lê Dynasty.
These unlawful activities, according to the authorities, took place earlier this month. Shen and Deng have been formally charged with "violating corpses, graves, and remains" as per Vietnamese law.
The pair is believed to be part of a group of three Chinese nationals who illegally excavated the royal tomb located in Kiën Thọ Commune, Ngọc Lặc District. This site is a significant part of the Lam Kinh Special National Historical Relic, a cultural and historical cornerstone for Việt Nam. The third suspect, yet to be apprehended, managed to escape before the crime was discovered.
The authorities are collaborating with their Chinese counterparts to ensure legal proceedings against the remaining suspect, subject to the availability of substantial evidence.
Preliminary investigations reveal a freshly dug hole at the tomb site, measuring 90cm by 52cm and approximately 1.6m deep. A nearby stone stele was also damaged. The police recovered 14 fragments of stone engraved with Chinese characters and Lê Dynasty-era decorative motifs, including depictions of dragons. Some of the fragments bore the inscription "Đại Việt Túc Tông Nhượng...", referencing the temple name of King Lê Túc Tông, carved in large script. Officers also collected 15 pieces of dark grey brick thought to be part of the original tomb structure.
All recovered artifacts have been secured in iron containers and stored safely at the Lam Kinh Historical Site for further examination.
The desecration of the tomb was first noticed on May 3 by staff from the Lam Kinh Site Management Board. The following day, Shen and Deng were caught attempting to flee the country in a taxi en route to Móng Cái city.
A comprehensive inspection of the Lam Kinh relic complex indicates that no other historical structures, tombs, or artifacts, including national treasures such as stone steles, have been disturbed. The site remains under tight security and regular maintenance.
Shen JiangYang and Deng ZhiJi under custody. - VNA/VNS Photo
This incident is but one example of the ongoing issue of grave robbing in Vietnam, with ancient sites regularly targeted for valuable artifacts.
- The incident of Chinese nationals, Shen Jiangyang and Deng Zhiji, being charged with the violation of corpses, graves, and remains under Vietnamese law, is a concerning example of the ongoing issue of grave robbing in Vietnam.
- The collaboration between Vietnamese and Chinese authorities is crucial to ensuring legal proceedings against the remaining suspect in the desecration of the royal tomb, provided there is substantial evidence available.
- The desecration of the tomb is not only a violation of Vietnamese law but also a threat to the country's cultural and historical heritage, as valuable artifacts and historical structures are frequently targeted by criminals.
