'Clean Newspaper' group pleads guilty, hopes to have their sentences reduced

At the trial on the afternoon of October 27, defendants Truong Chau Huu Danh, Nguyen Phuoc Trung Bao, Doan Kien Giang and Nguyen Thanh Nha had their final words. As for defendant Le The Thang, he had previously submitted a request to be tried in absentia.

Defendant Nha was the first to speak, expressing remorse and feeling remorse for what had happened. “The defendant really hopes that the panel of judges will consider the role, nature, and extent of the defendant and the defendant’s motives and purposes in joining the “Clean Newspaper” group for fun and entertainment. The defendant never intended to infringe upon the interests of the State, the interests of individuals or organizations.”

“The defendant hopes that the panel of judges will see the past 7 months, with the defendant's remorse and anxiety, and apply a form and punishment so that the defendant will not be isolated anymore. The defendant wants to become a good citizen."

The defendants Danh, Nha, Bao and Giang all admitted their violations and asked for a reduced sentence.

In his final statement, defendant Danh admitted that he had written many articles andviolateto many agencies and organizations. "The defendant apologizes to the individuals and agencies that have violated and hopes that the verdict will acknowledge the defendant's sincere apology to the individuals and organizations that the defendant unintentionally violated...", defendant Danh said.

The defendant also apologized to some people who trusted him but he could not help them, and he himself fell into the current legal situation. The defendant apologized to the defendants Nha, Giang, Bao and Thang, who had to get into trouble with the law when playing with him.

“The defendant really hopes that when considering the sentence, the panel of judges will carefully review the minutes of work with the investigation agency, the investigation conclusion…”, defendant Danh said and admitted his criminal behavior. The defendant wrote false articles and will be prosecuted for criminal responsibility.

The defendants were escorted to the car after the trial on the afternoon of October 27.

Defendant Bao cried as he gave his final words and shared more personal information related to his family. He said he had studied abroad and had the opportunity to work abroad. However, he chose to return home, with the desire to become a journalist and make the best contribution to his homeland.

Defendant Giang admitted that the purpose of his articles was to wish for good things. He acknowledged his shortcomings and incorrect statements and apologized to individuals and organizations for his wrongdoings that affected others and that he had to stand before the court. He hoped for leniency and a reduced sentence because he has elderly parents and young children.

According to the representative of the Thoi Lai District People's Procuracy, the prosecution of the defendants was completely correct in terms of the person and the crime. The People's Procuracy proposed that the panel of judges sentence the defendants Danh to 4-5 years in prison; Bao and Giang to 3-4 years in prison; Nha and Thang to 2-3 years in prison. At the same time, it proposed to ban the defendants from practicing journalism for 4-5 years.