Vietnam Proposes Anonymity for Judges Handling High-Risk Cases

Vietnam's Supreme People's Court (TAND Tối cao) has proposed enhancing the protection of personal information for judges and their families who handle "high-risk" cases involving terrorism, organized crime, and national security. This proposal is part of a draft resolution aiming to ensure judicial safety and independence, with a target implementation date of January 1, 2027. The draft resolution, comprising 26 articles, outlines provisions for protecting judges' positions, duty performance, authority, reputation, honor, dignity, personal information confidentiality, life, health, property, and other legitimate interests. Specifically, for judges handling "high-risk" cases—defined as complex and serious matters related to national security, order, beliefs, religion, ethnicity, or large-scale collective lawsuits, as well as potential threats to judges' lives or health from terrorism, organized crime, drug offenses, national security infringement crimes, or corruption—the immediate application of safety protection measures is proposed. Judges will have the right to request authorities to protect their anonymity and restrict access to their personal information and that of their families, which includes spouses, parents, and children. Furthermore, the Supreme People's Court suggests considering preferential treatment, similar to that for war veterans and fallen soldiers, for judges who suffer harm to their life or health during official duties. Provisions for professional risk insurance and compensation for damages are also included. Protection measures for judges and their families facing threats to their life, health, or property include relocation to safe locations, modification of personal information, confidentiality of residence and workplace, and the deployment of personnel, vehicles, and equipment for direct safety assurance. These protective measures will be decided and led by the police and military. The draft resolution is currently open for public comment until August 23.