Sending 'sensitive' photos to lover's husband for revenge

On August 10, Nguyen Quoc Hieu's appeal for a reduced sentence was rejected by the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City, upholding the sentence of one year and six months in prison for the crime of ""Humiliate others".

According to the Trial Panel, Hieu’s crime was committed for a base motive, and the court of first instance was remiss in not considering this as an aggravating circumstance to severely punish the defendant. However, in order not to disadvantage Hieu, the appeals court only asked the court of first instance to learn from experience.

Defendant Nguyen Quoc Hieu in court. Photo:Thao Mi

According to the verdict, in 2017, Hieu met Ms. Nguyen (28 years old), when she and her husband and children came to stay temporarily at the Nha Be District Cultural House (because their house was destroyed by a landslide). Hieu worked as the manager of the soccer field there, was married but often texted Ms. Nguyen via Messenger, Zalo... to comfort and encourage her to overcome difficulties.

The two gradually developed feelings for each other, meeting many times at hotels. During their lovemaking sessions, Hieu used his phone to record nude photos of his lover "as a souvenir". Later, he often became jealous and beat Ms. Nguyen, so she asked to end the relationship. Hieu did not agree, threatening to send the sensitive photos to her husband.

In November 2020, Ms. Nguyen feared that the relationship would be exposed and also felt guilty towards her husband, so she resolutely broke up with her lover. Hieu sent her sensitive pictures to threaten her as well as to try to win her back, but was blocked.

Angry, Hieu sent these photos to Ms. Nguyen's husband and his relatives. The incident was reported to the police.

In April, the Nha Be District People's Court sentenced Hieu to 1 year and 6 months in prison at the first instance. He appealed for a reduced sentence.

* Victim's name has been changed.