Author Arrested in Vietnam for Anti-State Content

Vietnamese authorities have arrested author Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, and Tran Viet Anh, 33, on charges of "producing, storing, disseminating, or propagandizing information, documents, and items aimed at opposing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam." The arrests follow an investigation by Hanoi police, with the approval of the city's People's Procuracy.

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The defendants Nam and Anh have engaged in the act of producing, storing, and disseminating numerous video clips and a book titled 'Chuyen voi Thanh - Loi ke moi ve anh sang,' the content of which distorts the history of revolutions and the policies of the Party and State; insults President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and many other leaders of the Party and State.

The charges are linked to a book titled "Chuyen voi Thanh - Loi ke moi ve anh sang" (Stories with Thanh - New Accounts of Light) and accompanying video clips. According to investigators, these materials allegedly distorted historical accounts of revolutions and state policies, while also insulting President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and other prominent Party and state leaders.

Both Nam and Anh have reportedly confessed to their actions. Nam acknowledged that his book contained factual errors and went against Party and state directives, causing public confusion and damaging the government's reputation. Anh admitted to creating podcasts to gain views and economic benefits online, and to using Nam's influence to boost his content's visibility.

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I have recognized my serious mistakes and admitted that the book contains factual inaccuracies and goes against the Party and State's policies. I also admit to slandering leaders and causing public confusion, affecting the prestige of the people's government.

Earlier in April, the book was published by the Writers' Association Publishing House. However, it soon drew criticism for historical inaccuracies, data errors, and inappropriate language concerning national figures. In June, the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution ordered the book's recall and suspension of its distribution.

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I admit to building podcasts to create content that could attract views and followers to maximize economic benefits on the internet. I also admit to leveraging the influence of defendant Nguyen Thanh Nam to attract more attention to my content.