Authorities have confiscated over 1,000 leaflets from Nguyễn Thị Hương’s home. — Photo courtesy of HCM City Police

HCM CITY — HCM City authorities have arrested two Vietnamese individuals for allegedly planning to distribute subversive leaflets to incite protests during the National Day Holiday (September 2). 

Nguyễn Thị Hương, 56, and Trần Văn Linh, 67, are charged under Article 109 of the Penal Code for attempting to overthrow the government. 

Hương reportedly coordinated plans to distribute leaflets in crowded areas, but their actions were thwarted before execution due to heightened security measures.

The police, in collaboration with a domestic security agency, identified the duo after monitoring their activities. 

Hương was arrested while preparing the leaflets, which allegedly originated from the so-called "Provisional National Government of Vietnam", led by a Vietnamese-American currently residing in the US.

Authorities have confiscated over 1,000 leaflets and various electronic devices from Hương’s home. Meanwhile, Linh is suspected of surveying locations for leaflet distribution as part of the terrorist organisation.

In a related move, in June, two men from the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Tiền Giang were sentenced by the provincial court for engaging in “activities aimed at overthrowing the government.” 

They received prison sentences of 16 years and eight years, respectively, for their involvement in disseminating distorted and anti-State content on social media, despite having previously faced fines for similar offenses.

The two men were affiliated with the Provisional National Government of Vietnam from 2019 to 2023, participating in anti-government activities such as recruitment and training. 

The organisation, headquartered in the US, is designated as a terrorist group by Vietnamese authorities. 

Its leader, Đào Minh Quân, 72, has been a fugitive since 2017, sought for terrorist activities against the Vietnamese government. 

The group’s objectives included recruiting forces, establishing bases, and acquiring weapons for acts of terrorism within Vietnam.

Authorities have issued warnings against any involvement with this organisation, as participation would be classified as terrorism under Vietnamese law. 

Members of the group have engaged in terrorist activities within Việt Nam since 2015, resulting in legal action against supporters and participants. — VNS