Nguyen Phuc Gia Huy
Nguyễn Phúc Gia Huy
Detainment Type: At risk
Other Names: Nguyễn Phúc Gia Huy, Dưa Leo (Dua Leo)
Date of Birth:
Gender: M
Ethnicity: Kinh
Occupation: Artist, Blogger
Activist Focus:
- Freedom of expression
- Press
Details
Background
Huy once participated in Vietnam’s Got Talent. His YouTube channel at one point had nearly 900K subscribers. As a comedian, his clips explore a variety of topics, including some that are considered “politically sensitive” such as “boat people, illegal emigration, and even the recent Dak Lak uprising.”
Profile photo source: YouTube screenshot
History of ActivismIn 2016, Huy was summoned by police for a video titled “Freedom of speech is different from personal insults.” In it, he said that “there is no freedom of speech in Vietnam.”
In 2022, Huy sued the state-run paper Nhan Dan for libel after they posted stories (see archived posts in the Resources section) accusing him of “hiding behind the façade of educating the public to incite opposition to the state.” Huy won the lawsuit, which many call an unprecedented event. Nhan Dan had to take down the said articles. Huy’s family said the latest incident could possibly be “an act of revenge,” although that cannot be independently confirmed.
August 15, 2023: detained, allegedly beaten, and fined for videos
- Administrative
- Property destruction
- Assault
- Detention
August 15, 2023
District 10, Ho Chi Minh City (map)
On August 15, 2023, District 10 Police allegedly kidnapped Nguyen Phuc Gia Huy, a comedian with stagename Dưa Leo, while he was having breakfast at a neighborhood eatery. A close friend who wished to remain anonymous said Huy was taken to the police station around 10 am for interrogation without any warrants. He was not released until 11 pm that night. Huy’s family also alleged that he was physically assaulted at the police station.
On August 18, Tuoi Tre Online reported that the police ordered Huy to take down several clips that allegedly “spread false information” and issued an administrative fine of VND 7.5M (~$300 USD).
Profile last updated: 2024-06-13 20:34:07