Verdict affirmed for attorney accused of anti-government activities
HA NOI — The High-Level People's Court in Ha Noi on Friday dismissed the appeal filed by Tran Dinh Trien, a lawyer and head of the Vi Da Law Office, upholding the initial three-year imprisonment sentence for Trien, charged with violating the State's interests through the misuse of freedoms and democracy.
In the appellate trial, the court affirmed Trien's actions posed a threat to society, infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of organizations and individuals. Evidence revealed that during the course of his legal practice, Trien harbored personal grievances related to the court sector and the leadership of the Supreme People's Court. From April 23 to May 9, 2024, he posted three articles on his Facebook page, which negatively impacted the reputation and dignity of the People's Court system and leaders of the Supreme People's Court, and also infringed upon their rights and legitimate interests.
The court acknowledged that the first-instance trial had thoughtfully considered mitigating and aggravating factors. However, the three-year prison sentence was deemed appropriate and justified, as the appeal court neither found nor was presented with sufficient grounds to reduce Trien's criminal liability.
According to the indictment issued by the Supreme People's Procuracy, on February 3, 2023, Trien created a Facebook account, solely managed and used by him. The offending content of his Facebook posts adversely affected the public security, social order, and the reputation of state agencies.
A situation with implications for human rights, cases involving abuses of freedom and democracy may have significant effects on public perception and social order, potentially straining international relations and engendering public discontent. The handling of such cases can influence public trust in government institutions and the judicial system.
Trần Đình Triển at the first-instance trial in Hà Nội earlier in 2025. - VNA/VNS Photo
In light of the available information, it remains unclear to what extent the case against Trien has impacted public security and social order. For more precise context and a more detailed analysis, additional sources or updates would be necessary.
The court's decision to uphold Tran Dinh Trien's three-year imprisonment sentence, following a case that involved violations of freedoms and democracy, sheds light on the complex interplay between politics, law, and general-news stories. Moreover, the impact of crime-and-justice cases, such as this one, on public trust in government institutions and the judicial system is a matter of concern, as they can potentially exacerbate public discontent and strain international relations.
