Convictions for tax evasion

Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang provided more information about a woman recently found guilty of tax evasion, and rejected rumours she was penalised for climate change activities. Speaking at the ministry’s regular press conference, Hang said the Hanoi People’s Court on June 17 held the first-instance trial and sentenced Nguy Thi Khanh to 24 months in prison for tax evasion under Article 200 of the Penal Code. The investigation and hearing was carried out in line with law, the trial was held publicly, and the defendant had all her rights guaranteed in accordance with law, the spokeswoman noted. “Vietnam adamantly fights against and strictly deals with law violations in accordance with legal regulations. All citizens are equal before the law,” she stressed, adding that Vietnam has carried out communications and education measures to gradually … [Read more...] about Climate activist prosecuted for tax evasion pleads guilty: spokeswoman

Ngụy Thị Khanh, former head of NGO GreenID and known for advocating the reduction of coal-fired power in Vietnam, was handed a prison sentence for economic crimes, not her environmental activism, spokesperson for the foreign ministry Lê Thị Thu Hằng said on Thursday. Ngụy Thị Khanh, director of Vietnam’s Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID), has been arrested for tax fraud. — Photo courtesy of Hanoi Police During the regular press briefing held in Hanoi, Hằng said that on June 17, the People's Court of Hanoi opened a first-instance trial and had subsequently sentenced the 46-year-old Ngụy Thị Khanh to 24 months in prison for tax evasion under Article 200 of the Penal Code. She was arrested earlier in February by the Hanoi's police. The investigation and trial process were conducted in accordance with the provisions of law, Hằng said, adding that the trial was held in public and the defendant’s rights were fully guaranteed as prescribed by … [Read more...] about Environmentalist prosecuted for tax evasion, not her activism: Foreign ministry

Vietnam said speculation that the woman was punished for her activities in the reduction of coal power is groundless. Nguy Thi Khanh, the first Vietnamese person awarded the world’s Goldman Environmental Prize, has been sentenced to two years behind bars for tax fraud. Nguy Thi Khanh. Photo: Goldman Environmental Prize Commenting on the sentence, Hang said Khanh violated Law on Tax Administration and admitted to committing the crime, saying speculation that Khanh’s conviction resulted from her activities and opinions related to climate change is unfounded and inconsistent with the nature of the case. Hang made the statement in response to a question raised at a press conference held on June 23. She said all citizens are equal before the law, adding that Vietnam strictly handles law-breaking acts in accordance with the law. Regarding environmental protection, Vietnam is strongly committed to climate change response, green and sustainable development. … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s 1st Goldman Prize awardee jailed for tax fraud

Vietnamese influential climate activist Nguy Thi Khanh was jailed for tax evasion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday, refuting the rumor that she was criminally charged for her climate-related activities. Khanh was sentenced to 24 months in prison for tax evasion during her trial at the Hanoi People’s Court on June 17. The investigation and hearing were carried out in line with the law, and the trial was held publicly, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang answered the questions from foreign media during a regular press meeting on Thursday. The defendant had all her rights guaranteed in accordance with the law, Hang added. Vietnam is determined to fight and strictly deal with violations of the law in accordance with regulations, the diplomat stressed, adding that all citizens are equal before the law. Khanh was investigated and indicted for her economic offense, particularly breaking the rules on tax management, and she pleaded … [Read more...] about Vietnam refutes rumor that prize-winning environmentalist was jailed for climate-related activities