Foreigner in criminal detention after punching traffic police officer in Vietnam’s Nha Trang

The Nha Trang Ward police division confirmed on Friday that Khafizov Artur, a Russian national staying at a hotel in Nam Nha Trang Ward, has been taken into criminal custody for 'resisting law enforcement.'

According to police, Artur had consumed alcohol from Wednesday evening until early morning the next day.

At around 6:10 am on Thursday, he was riding a motorbike with an unidentified female passenger along Tran Phu Street when he crashed into another motorbike driven by V.T.D.T., a 53-year-old local woman, at the intersection of Tran Phu and Tue Tinh Streets.

The collision caused the local woman to fall onto the road.

His female companion fled the scene while Artur was held by bystanders until police arrived.

Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Tung Giang from the Nha Trang traffic police team arrived to resolve the incident.

While Giang was mediating between the two parties, Artur suddenly came from behind and punched Giang in the mouth, causing bleeding.

Artur was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Police officers immediately restrained and brought him to the local police station for questioning.

Authorities are currently finalizing the case file.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Giang has been granted a few days' leave to recover.

The incident has stirred public outrage, with many readers of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper demanding strict legal action.

"Laws must apply equally to everyone, including foreigners. Respect for the law brings peace to the nation," commented reader Vo Nga.

Another reader, Duong Van Tuan, added, "Expel him immediately. Many foreign tourists in Nha Trang rent bikes and drive recklessly. I've witnessed similar cases myself."

"As the saying goes, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' Anyone entering Vietnam has to respect Vietnamese law," reader Linh wrote.