In 2023, the Ministry of Public Security announced that it would prosecute suspects arrested in the Central Highlands incident, verifying observations from Việt Nam’s political commentators at the time. [1] The investigation focused on four categories of charges: “terrorism aimed at opposing the people’s government,” “failure to report crimes,” “harboring criminals,” and “organizing or brokering illegal entry, exit, or residence in Việt Nam.”

Of these, “terrorism aimed at opposing the people’s government” was the primary charge faced by 75 defendants. Understanding this charge requires an examination of its specific definition and defining characteristics under Vietnamese law and an analysis of how it compares to international standards.