Vietnamese martial artist sentenced to 7 years in prison in absentia

A Hanoi court has sentenced Doan Bao Chau, a 58-year-old martial arts instructor, to seven years in prison in absentia for allegedly undermining the Vietnamese state. The verdict was delivered on August 3 by the Hanoi People's Court, which also imposed a five-year period of supervised probation.

The court deemed Chau's actions to be a threat to national security and public order, stating they caused public discontent and therefore warranted a severe punishment. Chau was accused of creating, managing, and using a Facebook account to broadcast videos from 2016 to 2021. These videos were found to contain propaganda and fabricated information intended to sow confusion among the public.

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The court assessed that the defendant's actions encroached on national security, caused public disorder, and created public discontent, thus requiring a severe penalty.

Chau, whose current whereabouts are unknown, admitted his voice and image appeared in the videos but denied any intent to oppose the Vietnamese government. He was declared a fugitive in June 2025 after being charged and issued an arrest warrant. Despite multiple attempts to notify him and calls for him to surrender, Chau did not appear for his trial.

The court proceeded with the trial in absentia, citing legal provisions that allow for such proceedings when a defendant is on the run or their location is unknown. A defense lawyer was appointed for Chau. The court noted that all legal procedures, including notification and public announcements, were followed. Chau, previously known for a public martial arts match in 2017, will have the verdict posted at his last known residential address.

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The investigative agencies and prosecution can decide to indict or prosecute a defendant even if the defendant is on the run or their whereabouts are unknown, and the pursuit has been unsuccessful; or if the defendant is abroad and cannot be summoned.