Key Events
- Prisoner of Conscience Phạm Chí Thành Freed Four Months Early;
- Family Seeks Global Help for Dissident Lê Đình Lượng’s;
- Finance Ministry Unveils Draft Law to Tax Property and Securities Gains;
- No One Held Accountable as 37 Die in Ha Long Bay Boat Capsizing;
- Hà Nội, Hồ Chí Minh City Accelerate Shift to Green Transportation.
Việt Nam released dissident Phạm Chí Thành (aka Phạm Thành) on July 21, 2025, four months before his November release date.
Thành was arrested on May 21, 2020, and initially held in pre‑trial detention. He was later transferred—without clear justification—to a psychiatric facility for assessment during detention. His wife confirmed that the authorities shifted him to a clinic in late November of that year, with his custody extended by several months
Authorities charged him under Article 117 of Vietnam’s Penal Code (“propaganda against the state”), citing materials from his book – Thế thiên hành đạo hay đại nghịch bất đạo (Acting on Heaven’s Behalf—or Committing Treason Against It?) and his blog Bà Đầm Xòe. His blog covered corruption, environmental issues, and critiques of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng’s policies and his alleged pro‑China leanings.
Advocacy groups—including Amnesty International and PEN America—have designated Thanh a prisoner of conscience. He was sentenced on July 9, 2021, to 5½ years in prison, followed by five years of probation; his expected release is around November 21, 2025.
Thành’s case highlights Vietnam’s growing crackdown on free expression, in which vaguely defined security laws are used to imprison critics, bloggers, and activists.
Solitary Confinement Used as a Weapon: Lê Đình Lượng Punished for Demanding Medical Care
The family of imprisoned Vietnamese dissident Lê Đình Lượng has raised urgent concerns on social media about his life-threatening medical condition after learning he is being held in solitary confinement at Nam Hà Prison, where he has had no access to medical care or family contact since early June 2025.
According to his relatives, all communication with Lượng has been cut off—no visitation, no food or medicine deliveries, and no official notification from the prison. The family only discovered his deteriorating situation when his wife and other relatives traveled to Nam Hà and were told that he was placed in solitary confinement for “opposing the prison.”
His family insists that his so-called defiance was not an act of violence, but a desperate outcry. Lượng had repeatedly requested medical treatment and raised grievances about prison conditions—only to be met with silence. Before his isolation, he reportedly went on a hunger strike in protest after being denied healthcare. Despite being elderly, frail, and suffering from chronic illnesses, the authorities have responded not with care but with punishment.
Instead of being transferred to a medical facility, Lượng has been subjected to indefinite solitary confinement—alone, without light, without medicine, and without hope. His family now lives in fear, uncertain whether he is alive or dead. “This is not just cruelty,” they said. “It is a slow, systematic killing.”
The family accuses Nam Hà Prison of using solitary confinement as a tool of political retribution, stripping Lượng of his right to life, healthcare, and basic human dignity. They believe the prison has fabricated charges of “defiance” to justify harsh and retaliatory measures aimed at silencing a man who dared to speak the truth.
In a public appeal, the family urgently calls on the Vietnamese community at home and abroad, international human rights organizations, and the global press to speak out and intervene before it is too late. Lê Đình Lượng was sentenced to 20-years-imprisonment in August 2018 under Article 79 of the 1999 Penal Code.
Việt Nam’s Ministry of Finance has unveiled a draft revision of the Personal Income Tax Law proposing a 20% tax on taxable income from real estate and securities transactions, triggering mixed reactions from industry experts and economists.
Under the proposal, a 20% tax would apply to the profit margin—the difference between the buying and selling price—on real estate and stock transfers. For property owners who cannot verify purchase prices or related costs, a progressive tax would be levied based on holding duration:
- Less than 2 years: 10%,
- 2–5 years: 6%,
- 5–10 years: 4%,
- More than 10 years: 2%.
For securities, individuals would pay 20% annually on net profits. If the original purchase price and costs are unverifiable, a flat 0.1% tax on selling price per transaction would apply, mirroring current rules.
The Finance Ministry claims this approach reflects the true nature of economic transactions and could benefit taxpayers by allowing for deductions based on actual profits.
Several experts support the move, citing the urgent need to curb speculation and cool down overheated real estate markets. Nguyễn Quốc Anh, deputy CEO of Batdongsan.com.vn, suggested the new rules would help narrow the tax gap between real estate and stock investors, promoting fairness across investment sectors.
However, critics argue the proposed 20% tax rate is excessive and unrealistic. Dr. Trần Việt Anh, acting rector of Hùng Vương University, warned that it could drive up property prices significantly. Real estate analyst Phan Công Chánh cautioned that existing taxes already burden real estate transactions, and any additional layers would likely be passed onto consumers and working-class buyers.
Economist Vũ Đình Ánh, former deputy director of the Ministry of Finance’s Price Market Research Institute, emphasized that rather than rushing to impose new taxes, authorities should focus on creating a transparent and traceable system for real estate transactions.
On the securities side, Bùi Duy Tùng of RMIT University Vietnam predicted the tax could hurt market liquidity and investor confidence, especially among retail traders.
The proposed law is currently in the public consultation phase. The Ministry of Finance says it will continue to gather public feedback and refine the draft before submitting it to higher authorities for approval.
A devastating boat accident in Hạ Long Bay has left 37 people dead, 2 missing, and 10 survivors, after the Vịnh Xanh 58 (also known as Wonder Sea) capsized during a sudden storm on July 19.
The vessel, carrying 46 passengers and 3 crew members, overturned just 35 minutes after departing from Bãi Cháy Port, as it was passing the eastern waters of Đầu Gỗ Cave. Most of the victims are believed to have died from being trapped inside the cabin or exhausting themselves trying to escape.
Built in 2015, the Vịnh Xanh 58 was 24 meters long with a flat-bottomed hull and a 12-ton capacity. According to provincial authorities, the vessel’s technical inspection certificate was valid through 2026, and its stability index of 2.3 exceeded the national minimum requirement of 1.0.
Weather forecasts from the Quảng Ninh Meteorological Center that morning indicated favorable conditions—light winds, no warnings. But at around 1:30 p.m., a sudden, violent thunderstorm struck the Đầu Gỗ–Ti Tốp area, bringing hail and strong winds that capsized the boat within minutes.
Critically, the vessel’s GPS and tracking system disconnected at 2:05 p.m., but border forces did not receive any distress call until 3:30 p.m., nearly 90 minutes later. Survivors say no authorities arrived during the first two hours. They were forced to rescue themselves—breaking emergency windows, dragging friends to safety.
Experts note that while the Vịnh Xanh 58 had GPS and AIS tracking, it lacked an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)—a standard safety device that sends an automatic satellite alert when a vessel capsizes. In this case, without a manual distress call from the captain, no automatic alert was triggered.
As of July 24, no individual, agency, or government body has taken responsibility for the disaster. This silence persists even though Quảng Ninh police are among the agencies tasked with ensuring maritime and tourism safety in Hạ Long Bay.
Earlier this year, in March 2025, a joint inspection team announced a full review of all tour boats operating in Hạ Long and Bái Tử Long Bays—focusing on legal documents and technical standards.
The Wonder Sea tragedy now raises sharp questions about the effectiveness of those inspections, the adequacy of rescue systems, and accountability in one of Vietnam’s most iconic tourist destinations.
Việt Nam’s Urban Centers Shift Gears Toward Electric Future
Việt Nam’s two largest cities, Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City, are rapidly rolling out policies to transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric and public transportation, in an urgent push toward cleaner urban mobility.
On July 24, Hà Nội’s People’s Committee issued Notice No. 459, directing city departments to finalize policies that support residents switching from gas-powered motorbikes and cars to electric vehicles (EVs) or public transport. The directive sets a firm deadline: all plans must be completed by the end of August 2025.
As part of its strategy, Hà Nội is prioritizing the development of public EV charging infrastructure, offering generous investment incentives. These include:
- 70% interest rate support for EV charging station projects during their first five years,
- 100% land lease fee exemptions, and
- 50% compensation for site clearance at parking facilities where at least 30% of spots are equipped with EV chargers.
To further encourage private adoption, the city has proposed a complete exemption of registration and license plate fees for personal EVs through 2030.
In the south, Hồ Chí Minh City is moving in parallel. On July 23, the municipal Department of Construction sent official guidance to subordinate agencies, calling for studies on periodic emissions testing for motorbikes, and proposing a framework to phase out aging gasoline-powered two-wheelers, which are considered a major contributor to urban pollution and traffic hazards.
According to Hà Nội’s Department of Transport, as of the end of 2024, the capital had approximately 6.9 million motorbikes, of which 6.4 million run on gasoline. This figure does not include vehicles registered in other provinces but operating regularly in Hà Nội.
Experts warn that abrupt bans or restrictions on gasoline motorbikes could backfire, as older vehicles may simply shift to suburban districts or nearby provinces—such as Bắc Ninh, Hưng Yên, Thái Nguyên, and Phú Thọ—where emissions standards remain lax.
The synchronized efforts in Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City mark a major turning point in Việt Nam’s environmental and transportation policy. But successful implementation will depend on public buy-in, infrastructure readiness, and careful management of unintended consequences, particularly for lower-income residents reliant on older vehicles.
Quick Takes:
Austrian-Vietnamese Scholar Faces Penalty Over Facebook Posts on Sexual Harassment Case
Hà Nội’s Security Investigation Agency has proposed administrative sanctions and revocation of the work permit of Dr. Đặng Hoàng Giang, 60, an Austrian citizen, for allegedly spreading false information on Facebook about a sexual harassment case involving publishing house Nhã Nam. Giang had publicly accused Nhã Nam’s CEO, Nguyễn Nhật Anh, of harassing a female employee in April 2024. The case drew widespread public attention and sparked debate over legal procedures in handling harassment allegations. Authorities now claim his statements were inaccurate and damaging.
Former Health Minister Nguyễn Thị Kim Tiến Expelled from Communist Party Over Hospital Corruption Scandal
On July 19, the 12th Plenum of the Central Committee expelled former Health Minister Nguyễn Thị Kim Tiến from the Communist Party for violations tied to major hospital projects. Tiến, who served from 2011 to 2019, signed key decisions related to the second campuses of Bạch Mai and Việt Đức hospitals—projects now under criminal investigation for corruption and mismanagement. The Politburo cited violations of Party rules and state law, including failures in anti-corruption oversight. While many criticized her conduct, some prominent medical professionals have voiced sympathy following the disciplinary action.
Ministry of Public Security May Gain Power to Access User Data Under Revised Cybersecurity Law
The Ministry of Public Security is seeking public input on a draft amendment to the Cybersecurity Law that would require telecom and internet providers to verify users’ identities and hand over user data upon request from cybersecurity forces. The draft also mandates removal of content deemed in violation of cybersecurity laws within 24 hours. The revised law merges the 2015 Law on Cyber Information Security and the 2018 Cybersecurity Law, signaling a significant expansion of state surveillance powers in Vietnam’s digital space.
Hà Nội Police Deploy AI Surveillance Cameras to Replace Traffic Officers by Late 2025
Hà Nội police are rolling out a public surveillance system featuring 3,700 AI-powered cameras, aiming to phase out on-street traffic officers by Dec. 18, 2025. The system can reportedly recognize faces, license plates, and over 20 types of traffic violations, and assist in criminal tracking and investigations. All data will be transmitted in real time to the central command center. Full operation is expected by June 2026.
Former Deputy Chief Judge in Đà Nẵng Indicted for Bribery in High-Profile Corruption Case
On July 23, the Supreme People’s Procuracy indicted Phạm Tấn Hoàng, former Deputy Chief Judge of the High People’s Court in Đà Nẵng, under Article 354 of Việt Nam’s Penal Code for accepting bribes. Hoàng had surrendered on July 17 after admitting to receiving 140 million đồng ($5,355) to deliver a favorable ruling in a murder case. He is also accused of taking bribes in a separate civil dispute in Quảng Trị. Hoàng is the 27th defendant indicted in a sweeping judicial bribery scandal closely monitored by the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption.
China, Vietnam Set for First Joint Army Drills as US trade War Draws Neighbours Closer
South China Morning Post/Yuanyue Dang/July 20
“Military ties between the Communist Party-led neighbours have deepened in recent months despite territorial disputes, as the close economic partners seek ways to navigate the US tariff war. The two sides have long carried out joint naval and land border patrols, but the coming exercise would be the first such exchange between their armies.
‘This is the first joint army drill between China and Vietnam, with the theme of ‘joint border patrol training’,’ the Chinese Ministry of Defence statement said.
The exercise would ‘further deepen practical cooperation between the two militaries’, it added.”