A Vietnamese court sentenced a journalist and notable dissident to nine years in prison on Tuesday for anti-government actions, according to the journalist's lawyers and state media, in a case that drew the attention of international human rights organizations.
Pham Doan Trang, a Vietnamese activist well-known for her writings on women's empowerment and environmental issues, was convicted of spreading anti-state propaganda. It was the country's latest clampdown on dissent.
Trang published reports claiming human rights abuses and police violence on a frequent basis. She was arrested in October last year.
Nguyen Van Mieng, her legal counsel, stated that the sentence was "near to the maximum" for such claimed offences. Her attorney stated that they will consider the possibility of an appeal.
Despite widespread economic reform and rising receptivity to social change, Vietnam's ruling Communist Party maintains strict media censorship and tolerates minimal dissent.
Trang, 43, who was constantly interrupted into the court proceeding by the judge, rejected all charges. The attorneys stated that she was only advised of her trial date a day prior.
At the courthouse, there was tight security, including riot police and roadblocks on the major roads leading to the location, as well as numerous plainclothes officers.
Chu Phuong Ngoc, the case's judge, described Trang's behavior as "harmful to society" and stated that she should be "severely punished."
The U.S. State Department said in a statement that Trang "did nothing more than peacefully express her beliefs" and urged her release.
Trang was arrested hours after the annual U.S.-Vietnam human rights dialogue in October, an arrest the U.S. embassy said could jeopardize freedom of expression.
Dang Dinh Manh, another member of Trang's legal team, remarked on the severity of the nine-year sentence. Human Rights Watch's deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson, described the sentencing as a "searing statement of everything wrong with totalitarian Vietnam today."
In a statement, the U.S. State Department said they urge the Vietnamese government "to ensure that its laws and actions are consistent with the country's human rights legislation and international duties and commitments."
Trang is the author of multiple books and the co-founder of several independent media enterprises. Additionally, she started the environmental organization Green Trees. Reporters Without Borders (RWB) presented her with the Press Freedom Prize in 2019.
Trang was invited to participate in a forum for activists in 2016 by former U.S. President Barack Obama, but Vietnamese authorities barred her from attending.
In 2018, she was arrested following a meeting with a European Union team to discuss human rights.
