Hanoi police arrest 2 over book, videos with anti-state propaganda

The suspects, identified as Nguyen Thanh Nam and Tran Viet Anh, were charged with making, storing, distributing or disseminating information, documents, and materials aimed at opposing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam with the book ‘Chuyen voi Thanh – Loi ke moi ve anh sang’ and other videos. 

Authorities said the materials distorted historical events, Party policies, and state laws, with its content insulting late President Ho Chi Minh, late General Vo Nguyen Giap, and other Party and state leaders. 

Nam admitted that parts of the book were untrue and expressed regret, while Anh told investigators that he created content to attract viewers, increase online engagement, and maximize revenue. 

The investigation is continuing. 

On June 15, Vietnam's Department of Publishing, Printing and Distribution fined the Writers Association Publishing House VND100 million (US$3,803) over the publication of the book.

The department also suspended the publishing house's operations for two months, ordered all recalled copies destroyed, and required it to surrender illegal profits after finding inaccurate historical content and inappropriate language about President Ho Chi Minh and veteran Party leaders in the book. 

Authorities had previously ordered the book withdrawn nationwide and instructed local authorities to recover copies and public libraries not to circulate it.