Bao Sach (Clean Newspaper) members filed an appeal to lower their court sentences

• On November 17, Vietnam’s state media reported that the Can Tho Court had received an appeal from Bao Sach members against the court’s decisions on October 28. In their formal request, the Bao Sach members appealed to the court to lower their sentences.
• The five journalists of Bao Sach, including Truong Chau Huu Danh, Doan Kien Giang, Nguyen Phuoc Trung Bao, Nguyen Thanh Nha, and Le The Thang were convicted under Article 331 of Vietnam’s Penal Code for “abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to infringe upon State and individuals’ interests” and were later sentenced to a total of 14 years and six months in prison. They will also be banned from journalism for three years after finishing their prison terms.
• Multiple press freedom advocates and the U.S. Department of State have expressed concerns and opposition to the sentences. The Department of State urged the Vietnamese government “to ensure its actions are consistent with the human rights provisions of Vietnam’s constitution and its international obligations and commitments.”

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