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HRF strongly condemns Vietnam’s sentencing of ethnic Khmer Krom activists Thach Chanh Tra  and Chau Thi Thien to years in prison under Article 331 of the country’s Penal Code. Tra was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. Thien’s sentence is 2.5 years.

Tra and Thien’s convictions stem from social media posts, discussions, and livestreams. Tra was accused of criticizing state policy, including on ethnic and religious issues, while Thien’s case arose from commentary related to a land dispute.

Officials have characterized their content as “false” and defamatory. khmerkrom.org/kkf-condemns...

Tra and Thien’s sentencing is part of Vietnam’s ongoing pattern of using Article 331, which broadly criminalizes “abusing democratic freedoms,” to silence religious and ethnic minorities, journalists, and activists.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. khmerkrom.org/kkf-condemns...