HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Public Security on Friday evening said that Lê Đình Kình, the de facto leader of the Đồng Tâm protest against Hà Nội authorities, was among the four people who died in clashes with police on Thursday.

The statement was made by the ministry’s Chief of Staff and spokesperson, Major General Tô Ân Xô.

According to Hà Nội Police, Kình, 84, was holding a grenade in his hand when he died.

Some of the arrested protesters reportedly said Kình was the leader and had masterminded activities against the Government and violated the law in the disturbance case in the outskirts of Hà Nội.

Earlier the same day, Hà Nội Police said they decided to launch criminal proceedings in the disturbance case in Đồng Tâm Commune, Mỹ Đức District, on charges of “murder”, “illegally storing and using weapons” and “obstructing on-duty officials”.

The incident erupted on Thursday morning in Đồng Tâm Commune, where some units of the Ministry of National Defence and forces are building protective walls around Miếu Môn Airport.

A number of rioters, armed with grenades, petrol bombs and other weapons, attacked those working at the construction site, the ministry said.

Three police officers and one rioter were killed during the incident, while another rioter was injured.

The ministry said relevant units arrested the serious law violators.

At present, security situation and social order in Đồng Tâm Commune, Hà Nội’s Mỹ Đức District, are basically stable, with local residents going about daily activities normally.

The units are continuing to build the walls at Miếu Môn Airport. — VNS