Feb 27, (V7N) - A Vietnamese court sentenced independent journalist Huy Duc to 30 months in prison on Thursday for Facebook posts criticizing the government, according to state media.

The 63-year-old journalist, who once worked for state-run newspapers, was convicted in Hanoi of “abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state”, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.

Authorities cited 13 Facebook articles in their case, saying they negatively impacted social order and safety.

During the brief trial, Huy Duc stated he never intended to oppose the Communist Party, but admitted some content violated state interests.

“I take full responsibility and am very sorry,” he said, according to VNA.

His sentencing comes months after blogger Duong Van Thai received a 12-year jail term for publishing anti-state content.

Vietnam’s government, a one-party state, has cracked down on press freedom in recent years, jailing journalists, bloggers, and social media users who criticize the authorities.

In December 2024, new rules required Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and hand over data to authorities.

END/WD/RH