Vietnam Fines 23 Media Outlets for Praising Controversial Book, Raising Press Freedom Concerns

Vietnamese authorities have announced penalties, including fines and license revocations, for 23 media outlets that praised a book by an author currently under investigation for "propaganda against the state." This move highlights the significant influence of social media pressure on administrative decisions and further raises concerns about press freedom in Vietnam. The targeted media organizations had published positive reviews of the book "Chuyện với Thanh," written by author Nguyen Thanh Nam, who is facing charges of "propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam" under Article 117 of the Penal Code. According to authorities, one of the 23 outlets will have its license revoked. Specific names of media organizations or individuals have not yet been disclosed. Lu Dinh Phuc, Director of the Press Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, commented on the matter at a regular press conference on July 15. Vietnamese media reported that after identifying the violations, management agencies demanded the removal of articles and the clarification of responsibilities. The media outlets acknowledged their mistakes and expressed remorse regarding the vetting of sources and the article publication process. Disciplinary actions at the individual level include reprimands, dismissals, and reassignments. Fines will be imposed at three levels: 21 media outlets will face a penalty of 60 million VND (approximately $2,400 USD), one outlet will be fined 5 million VND (approximately $200 USD), and the license of one outlet that has already been dissolved will be revoked. The relevant authorities have been instructed to conduct strict self-examinations to accurately ascertain the nature of the errors in their publishing processes. This decision comes amidst a wave of online criticism, described by some as "public shaming," targeting individuals and organizations associated with the book "Chuyện với Thanh." This public pressure is seen as contributing to a situation where individuals or organizations can be rapidly brought down, setting a concerning precedent. Director Phuc had previously warned about the consequences of such "public shaming" trends, without naming specific cases, while emphasizing the responsibility of leadership. "Leaders must bear the responsibility of leadership and management if violations occur within their scope of responsibility. However, that responsibility must be considered according to legal procedures and the degree of fault, not decided by the emotions of the online crowd," he wrote in the Tuoi Tre newspaper on July 12. The trend of social media-driven criticism is seen as directly influencing government decisions. Concerns have been raised that this trend is pushing society into a tense atmosphere, reminiscent of the past Land Reform or Nhan Van – Giai Pham movements. Nhan Dan newspaper was reportedly the first to remove an article introducing "Chuyện với Thanh" about Ho Chi Minh, citing "inappropriate content" and offering an apology. This triggered a domino effect, with other media outlets such as Saigon Giai Phong, VnExpress, Phap Luat Plus of the Ministry of Justice's Phap Luat newspaper, Cong Thuong, and Quan Doi Nhan Dan also taking similar actions. Vietnam, while experiencing economic growth under the one-party rule of the Communist Party, maintains strict information control. Its policy of maintaining a complex relationship with China while prioritizing domestic stability and social order is reflected in these media regulations. Source: BBC Vietnamese