Sabotaging national unity policy leads to 7-year prison sentence

A court in Vietnam's Central Highlands has sentenced Y Nuen Ayun, 59, to seven years and six months in prison for "sabotaging the solidarity policy." The Dak Lak Provincial People's Court found Ayun guilty of establishing a religious organization under the guise of a legitimate faith with the intent to sow division among ethnic groups.

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From 2019, under the direction of A Ga (49 years old, a reactionary subject residing in the US), Y Nuen established the 'Tay Nguyen Christ Evangelical Church' - a reactionary organization disguised as religion to carry out activities that undermine national security.

According to the prosecution's case, Ayun acted under the direction of A Ga, a dissident residing in the United States. Starting in 2019, Ayun founded the "Tay Nguyen Christ Evangelical Church," which authorities deemed a reactionary organization operating under religious cover to undermine national security.

Ayun's role involved managing the organization within Vietnam, recruiting followers, and organizing online and in-person meetings to maintain the group's cohesion. He also sent numerous false reports and documents to A Ga. Evidence presented indicated that Ayun received over 7.7 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $300 USD) from A Ga to fund the "Tay Nguyen Christ Evangelical Church." The stated objective was to establish a separate religion for ethnic minorities in the Tay Nguyen region, operating outside government control, with the ultimate goal of forming an independent state for these groups.

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Y Nuen also received over 7.7 million dong from A Ga to support the activities of the 'Tay Nguyen Christ Evangelical Church,' aiming to establish a separate religion for ethnic minorities in Tay Nguyen; not be subject to government management, moving towards establishing a 'separate state' for ethnic minorities in Tay Nguyen.

The court heard that Ayun was aware that participating in an unrecognized religious organization was illegal. Despite repeated warnings and assurances from local authorities that he would cease his activities, Ayun continued his involvement over an extended period. His actions were seen as aiding hostile forces in their efforts against the government and in creating ethnic divisions within Vietnam.

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Y Nuen himself recognized that his actions in participating in the 'Tay Nguyen Christ Evangelical Church' without state recognition violated the law.

During the trial, Ayun confessed to all charges. Based on the evidence and his testimony, the court convicted him of sabotaging the solidarity policy and imposed the sentence. The case highlights Vietnam's strict stance on activities perceived as threats to national unity and stability, particularly those involving religious or ethnic groups influenced by external actors.

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At the trial, Y Nuen bowed his head and confessed to all his criminal acts.