A 7.5 million đồng ($285) fine over a single Facebook share highlights the escalating tensions surrounding one of Hà Nội’s most controversial megaprojects.
The Latest: On Aug. 4, N.N.T., a 1967-born resident of Thanh Xuân Ward in Hà Nội, was fined 7.5 million đồng after reading and sharing a social media post.
- According to VietNamNet, the fine was issued after N.N.T. read a post from what authorities called the “distortionist information page L.K.T.C.” and reposted an image in the Facebook group “Residents of the New Hồng Hà Ward.”
The Details: According to Thanh Xuân Ward Police, the post shared by N.N.T. contained “false information about planning and site clearance for the Red River Landscape Boulevard Project.”
- Police said N.N.T. “admitted that he had no related rights or interests and was not a resident of Hồng Hà Ward” but nevertheless shared the content to “speculate, fabricate information, and draw attention to himself.”
N.N.T. was fined for the act of “providing or sharing fabricated or false information; distorting or slandering; or damaging the reputation of an agency or organization or the honor and dignity of an individual” under Point a, Clause 1, Article 101 of Decree No. 15/2020/NĐ-CP.
- However, Thanh Xuân Ward Police did not disclose the full name of the page abbreviated as “L.K.T.C.,” identify the exact post shared by N.N.T., or specify which information was allegedly false.
Luật Khoa Magazine called Thanh Xuân Ward Police on the morning of Aug. 5 seeking further information.
- The officer on duty declined to answer, saying: “The matter you mentioned is quite broad, so I cannot respond.”
- The officer added that “statements by the police to outside parties” are issued only through “official channels” and said that reporters must visit the police station in person with a letter of introduction.
The Background: The Red River Landscape Boulevard Project is one of several megaprojects generating public controversy.
- Residents of communities within the project area have recently undertaken various actions to oppose its proposed development.
Hoàng Nam wrote this news article in Vietnamese and published it in Luật Khoa Magazine on August 5, 2026. The Vietnamese Magazine translated it into English.
