Criminals with 'protection'

(Baonghean) - More than a week ago, at the national online conference on crime prevention and control, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of internal affairs requested strict handling of acts of protection and support for criminals. However, recent events show that it is also necessary to resolutely deal with acts of supporting wrongdoing.

This is a difficult and complex issue, because the "protection" of wrongdoing is often disguised under seemingly legitimate policies and plans. For example, in the mining sector. Previously, in Quang Ninh province, there were many unusual projects, such as reforestation or aquaculture, licensed in areas with open-pit coal deposits. During the project implementation, the main activity was selling the coal. Everyone knew the project was just a cover for coal mining. However, selling the coal was permitted because the law stipulates that when minerals are found, their extraction is allowed. Many people have become wealthy from such projects, and naturally, they must have had someone "backing" them to get the permits. Similarly, people can use dredging projects on river channels to openly mine sand, even though the extraction of natural sand in rivers and canals is prohibited. And this mining is considered legal because it is seen as the extraction of minerals. Everyone understands the main purpose of such projects, but no one can do anything about it because it complies with the law.

Illustration. Source: Internet

The difficulty in dealing with the "backing" of wrongdoing lies in the fact that those providing the "backing" are often individuals holding positions of power and authority within government agencies. Therefore, investigating and clarifying the situation for prosecution is extremely challenging, as they never reveal themselves or leave behind any evidence of involvement. I recall that at a conference earlier this month to discuss and implement plans for ensuring traffic safety and urban order in Hanoi, the Chairman of the People's Committee stated: "I have compiled statistics showing that out of over 180 sidewalk beer stalls, more than 150 have police officers behind them. Can the district secretaries and chairmen sitting here guarantee that the parking lots in their wards are not run by relatives or belong to the secretary or chairman? Yes, they do. I assure you, they do." So, while it's known that this exists, it's impossible to prosecute due to insufficient evidence. No one would willingly risk destroying their own livelihood. Sidewalks and streets are therefore constantly being encroached upon right under the noses of government agencies. Similar forms of "protection" exist in other sectors, especially in housing construction. As a result, illegal and unauthorized constructions continue to appear even in the most unexpected places.

To put an end to this situation, those who "back" wrongdoing must be considered criminals, and the leaders in the localities, sectors, and fields where such wrongdoings occur must be held accountable and appropriately punished. Because if they are not considered criminals, it will be very difficult to take strong action to deter and prevent such violations.

Duy Huong