Le Khac Linh

On May 18, 2019, the public security of Tinh Gia District, Thanh Hoa Province, released administrative sanctioning decisions against four local workers-- Le Khac Linh, Le Quang Cuong, Nguyen Thi Loan and Dang Nguyen Tung. They were fined 7.5 million VND each (approximately 320 USD).

According to state media, Linh and others were accused of using their Facebook accounts to post, share, and comment with content “defaming party leaders, the State, and public security forces of Tinh Gia District” when local forces were on duty to confiscate and expropriate land for some projects in Tinh Gia district and Nghi Son Economic zone. Due to the policy to expand these areas for economic development, Tinh Gia authorities have carried out many land grabs with “vague compensation policy," causing grievances among the people, especially local residents. 

Moreover, the arbitrary practice and abuse of power of the public security forces are also shown in how they use the law. Degree 174/2013, regulating the administrative fines in Postal and Communication services, technological information, and radio waves, does not regulate the online behavior of individuals. 

Their mugshots were also shown by state media, as if they committed criminal activities.