Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said bloggers who criticized the government will be “seriously punished,” after some bloggers published a series of corruption scandals among elite Communist Party members.
Nguyen described the blogs’ postings as “villainous ploys of hostile forces,” AFP reported.
Vietnam does not allow any privately run media to operate in the country. Only state-run newspapers, news agencies, and television stations are allowed.
In the past, Vietnam has labeled advocates of democracy and free speech “terrorists,” AP reported.
Danlambao, one of the publications that posted stories about government corruption, said that it would not cease publishing.
“Danlambao and its companions are prepared to be repressed and imprisoned rather than leading the life of a dumb dog that dares not bark, subservient to those who abuse their power,” it said, according to AP.
Reporters Without Borders said at least five journalists and 19 bloggers are being detained in Vietnam, contributing to the communist, one-party state’s woeful press freedom record.
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