In a significant trial in Vietnam, nearly 100 people are facing charges for their alleged involvement in coordinated gun attacks on local government offices. These attacks, which occurred in the Central Highlands last year, resulted in the death of nine individuals, including four police officers. The region is home to ethnic minorities who have long complained about government persecution.
The prosecution argues that the motive behind the attacks was to establish an independent state. On the fateful morning of 11 June, a group of assailants rode on motorbikes and used firearms and other weapons to assault political headquarters and police offices in the Cu Kuin district of Dak Lak province. The district is situated about 300 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. The victims of the attacks included four police officers, two local officials, and three civilians.
The trial, which commenced on Tuesday, is expected to continue for 10 days. Out of the 100 defendants, 98 have been charged with terrorism, while one has been charged with hiding criminals and another with facilitating illegal immigration. It is crucial to note that Vietnam imposes severe penalties for terrorist offenses, including the death penalty. Amnesty International has expressed concerns about the number of executions carried out annually in the country.
It is worth highlighting that six of the accused are being tried in absentia and are subject to international arrest warrants. The possession of firearms by civilians is illegal in Vietnam, suggesting that gun violence is relatively uncommon in the country. H’Yim Kdoh, the deputy chair of Dak Lak People’s Committee, described the case as highly serious due to the terrorists’ objective of overthrowing the state and establishing the so-called Dega state.
The Dega people, who belong to a Christian ethnic minority residing mainly in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, have been advocating for autonomy from the central government. During the investigation, the defendants allegedly confessed to the charges but claimed that they were coerced into carrying out the attacks. The police seized a significant number of weapons, including 23 guns and rifles, two grenades, 1,199 bullets, and other explosive devices following the incidents.
The attacks were deemed “barbaric and inhumane” by the authorities. Vietnam’s Communist Party, which holds sway over the one-party political system, has faced long-standing criticism for its treatment of ethnic and religious minorities.
The trial highlights the ongoing tensions between the central government in Vietnam and ethnic minority groups seeking autonomy. The outcome of this trial is likely to have wide-ranging implications for the rights and treatment of minority communities in the country.
