Hanoi blogger found guilty of slander
Hanoi blogger Pham Viet Dao has been sentenced to a 15-month imprisonment after pleading guilty to abusing his rights to freedom and democracy in order to infringe upon State interests, rights and legitimate interests of organisations or citizens under Article 258 of the Penal Code.
The jail term starts from his initial detention on June 13, 2013.
The indictment read that Dao, 62, residing in Buoi ward, Tay Ho district, masterminded three blogs, namely Phamvietdao3.blogspot.com, Phamvietdao4.blogspot.com, and Chientranhtrungviet.blogspot.com. On these sites, he posted 91 articles to slander and smear the Party and State.
At the March 19 trial in the capital city, Dao admitted his guilt, stating that his actions were a result of a lack of awareness of the law.
He promised not to repeat his actions. Dao is allowed to appeal against the verdict within 15 days of the trial.
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