100 on trial for deadly terrorist attack

By Quoc Thang, Tran Hoa   January 15, 2024 | 06:51 pm PT
100 on trial for deadly terrorist attack
Defendants accused in a deadly terrorist attack in Dak Lak Province stand among police officers at a trial on Jan. 16, 2024. Photo by VNA
A Dak Lak Province court Tuesday began the trial of 100 members of an alleged terrorist group for killing nine people during an attack on two people's committee offices.

A mobile court has been set up at their detention facility by the People's Court of the central highlands province.

Of the defendants, 53 are charged with "terrorism aimed at opposing the people's administration," 45 are prosecuted for "terrorism," including six who have fled abroad and are being tried in absentia, one is accused of "concealing crimes," and another of assisting people "to leave, enter or stay in Vietnam illegally."

Armed groups attacked two people's committee offices, which also housed police stations, in the rural mountain communes of Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur on June 11 last year.

The attack killed two commune leaders, four police officers and three civilians. Two other police officers and many people were injured.

The Ministry of Public Security called the attacks "reckless, barbaric and inhumane."

Among the accused is a member of a U.S.-based organization who had received instructions to infiltrate Vietnam and carry out the attacks, according to official sources.

Y Tho Ayun, one of the masterminds, said he had instigated some people in local villages to attack the offices with guns.

The police later seized 23 guns, two grenades, around 1,200 bullets, 1.2 kg of explosives, 30 knives and several other weapons from the attackers.

 
 
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