Man who assaulted security guard over dog dispute in Ho Chi Minh City released by court

The People's Court of Zone 1 in Ho Chi Minh City held a trial for Tuong Chi Huy, a 26-year-old resident of Phu Dinh Ward in Ho Chi Minh City, who was charged with intentional infliction of injury.

Huy had injured N.X.C., a 58-year-old security guard.

During the trial, the presiding judge asked the victim, N.X.C., about a request he had submitted to withdraw all criminal charges against the defendant.

C. confirmed that he had voluntarily submitted the request without any external pressure. 

He also acknowledged receiving a total of VND100 million (US$3,814) in compensation from the defendant's family.

Huy expressed remorse for his actions during the hearing.

After deliberation, the court announced the suspension of the case.

According to the court, since the victim had withdrawn his request for prosecution and no evidence suggested that the withdrawal was made under coercion, the court decided to terminate the case.

As a result, the court ordered Huy's immediate release.

At 8:45 am on February 27, Huy and his girlfriend, Paris E., a 32-year-old U.S. citizen, were walking on Nguyen Hue Street when the dog jumped from her arms.

The security guard, C., approached to remind them of the rules and used a plastic stick to tap the dog on the head. 

Paris responded by yelling and hitting the guard.

Huy then stepped in and pushed the security guard. 

In response, C. ran to a nearby planter to retrieve an iron rod and returned to threaten Huy.

During the scuffle, Huy managed to grab the rod and struck C. on the head, causing him to fall.

A medical assessment later confirmed that C. suffered four-percent bodily harm.

Huy and Paris E. were detained at the scene.