A screenshot of a video shows Nguyễn Phương Hằng, 52, former director of Đại Nam JSC, livestreaming on her social media account, who is currently facing accusations of “abusing freedoms and democratic rights” to slander various people. — VNS Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp

HCM CITY — The trial of the former director of Đại Nam JSC and four others for “abuse of freedoms and democratic rights” for allegedly slandering various people opened at the HCM City People’s Court on Thursday.

Nguyễn Phương Hằng, 52, her assistant Nguyễn Thị Mai Nhi, Đại Nam JSC employee Lê Thị Thu Hà, its head of the communications Huỳnh Công Tân, and Đặng Anh Quân, lecturer at HCM City Law University “infringed on the interests of the State, rights and legitimate interests of organisations and individuals,” according to prosecutors.

Hằng allegedly used her influence to spread unverified information about people’s private lives on social media.

She organised livestream sessions on her social media accounts to discuss the private lives of certain individuals and used derogatory language to attack their honour and dignity.

She deliberately spread inaccurate and unverified information and defamed the reputation and dignity of 10 individuals, particularly targeting celebrities and singers.

She accused them of misappropriating charity funds and deceiving people for personal gain, according to prosecutors.

Hằng was arrested in March last year, and the others in November after the police investigated their activities.

Despite several warnings from the police, she continued with the live-streaming, leading to the arrest.

The police said she faces charges under Article 331 of the Penal Code.

Hằng, aka Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tuyền, lives in District 1.

Her husband, Huỳnh Uy Dũng, is the legal representative of the Bình Dương Province-based company.

The couple are known for their extravagant lifestyles but also charitable activities. — VNS