When a priest 'eats at the same table and travels in the same car' with a reactionary.

(Baonghean.vn) - Following the disruptive incident on National Highway 1A on the afternoon of May 15, 2017, involving demands for the release of detainees, which resulted in traffic congestion, many people questioned why Hoang Duc Binh was in the car with Father Nguyen Dinh Thuc? Why did Nguyen Dinh Thuc call for protests against the arrest of this "reactionary"?

"Nguyen Dinh Thuc once again incited extremists to block National Highway 1A."

"Breaking News: Reactionary suspect Hoang Duc Binh arrested"

On May 15, 2017, the Investigation Police Department of Nghe An province arrested Hoang Duc Binh (born February 10, 1983, in Hung Trung commune, Hung Nguyen district, Nghe An province) for the crime of "Resisting public officials; abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State, the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and citizens," as stipulated in Articles 257 and 258 of the Penal Code, for investigation and legal processing.

The execution of the arrest warrant for Hoang Duc Binh was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code, with the participation of representatives from the People's Procuracy of Nghe An province and the presence of relevant witnesses.

Immediately after the authorities arrested Hoang Duc Binh, Father Nguyen Dinh Thuc, who was present at the scene, called and incited some extremists to obstruct traffic on National Highway 1A in Dien An commune, Dien Chau district, demanding the release of the arrested person.

From approximately 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM on May 15, 2017, Nguyen Dinh Thuc continuously used his phone and loudspeaker to call upon and incite extremists to gather on National Highway 1A, and then march to the Dien Chau District Police headquarters to demand the release of Hoang Duc Binh. Following Nguyen Dinh Thuc's incitement, these extremists spilled onto the road and used objects such as trees, bricks, and stones to block traffic, causing congestion, disrupting public order, and insecurity in the area. After investigating the situation, several priests arrived at the scene and, in coordination with the authorities, persuaded the people to disperse.

The actions of Nguyen Dinh Thuc and some extremist elements caused public disorder, obstructed traffic, and violated the law.

When news broke that Hoang Duc Binh had been temporarily detained by investigators at 10:30 AM on May 15th, it was "breaking" news for many. However, for those familiar with Hoang Duc Binh's activities, his arrest by law enforcement was inevitable, a case of "what goes around comes around."

However, what surprised and shocked many was that Hoang Duc Binh was arrested while sitting in a black Fortune car with Father Nguyen Dinh Thuc. Also in that car – a car frequently used by Nguyen Dinh Thuc – was Emily, a member of the reactionary Viet Tan organization.

Hoang Duc Binh, Nguyen Dinh Thuc, and Emily during a recent get-together. Photo: Emily's Facebook.

Why are so many people surprised and find it hard to believe? It's because, in people's minds, from time immemorial, according to the Catholic faith, priests are seen as substitutes for God. The image of a priest that people usually think of is one of friendliness, charity, humanity, bringing about good and bright things. And in reality, many priests maintain high moral standards, guiding their Catholic compatriots to live lives of reverence for God and love for their country, promoting virtuous conduct and maintaining harmonious unity between Catholics and non-Catholics for generations to come. But Father Nguyen Dinh Thuc did not embody these images; he was completely the opposite.

Recently, Nguyen Dinh Thuc has frequently appeared alongside figures from reactionary organizations, with Hoang Duc Binh being one of them. Everyone was astonished and found it hard to believe that someone with the mission of guiding the flock would associate with those who are always arrogant and shameless on the internet, but in real life are just unsavory characters, scammers, and those who falsely claim to have power.

These elements have colluded and conspired to create numerous "scenarios" aimed at profiting from a segment of the overseas community that lacks information, goodwill, and is misguided. Sadly, some naive individuals, and even extremists, have become blind "actors" in these "dark scenarios," becoming tools for "director" Nguyen Dinh Thuc and other reactionary elements to make money through illegal activities.

After blocking National Highway 1A, extremists, incited by Nguyen Dinh Thuc, continued to gather and cause disturbances in front of the Dien Chau District Police Station on the afternoon of May 15, 2017. In the photo: A woman accompanying Nguyen Dinh Thuc in the car is climbing through the window to film images to send to anti-government websites. Photo: PV

"Nguyen Dinh Thuc seriously violated canon law and the regulations of the Church."

"Nguyen Dinh Thuc and his serious violations of religious law."
Did those who heeded Nguyen Dinh Thuc's incitement realize that their illegal actions could very well lead to severe legal punishment? Or were they unable to overcome their fear, blindly following the "scenario" and bringing tragedy upon themselves?

It is strange that those who uphold Catholic doctrine would collude with unsavory elements who live parasitic lives, exploiting hatred, sowing incitement and violence to create space for certain bad guys to spend money.

Humanity has often summarized things like, "What you live in is round, what you live in is long," "When you're with a Buddha, wear a saffron robe; when you're with a ghost, wear a paper robe," or "Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell you who you are." These famous sayings, along with the people who shared the same journey and meals with Nguyen Dinh Thuc, help us understand why, despite bearing the title of priest, Nguyen Dinh Thuc frequently appeared at gatherings causing trouble with a defiant, arrogant demeanor, and bizarre, haughty, and insolent manner of speaking.

This helps us to better understand why the Catholic church where Nguyen Dinh Thuc served as parish priest, which should have been a sacred place for religious practice, became a place that welcomed elements who went against justice and national morality; a place where they established a "base" to spread false, extremist, and erroneous information, incite hatred, and sow sin.

Of course, there have been many questions, such as: Hoang Duc Binh and Nguyen Dinh Thuc "ate together and traveled together," so if Hoang Duc Binh has been arrested, when will Nguyen Dinh Thuc be next?