According to the indictment,on May 14 during rallies protesting China’s illegal placement of itsHaiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone andcontinental shelf, Bui Ngoc Cuong, Nguyen Thi Hang, Nguyen Dinh Thuanincited others to engage in illegal protests around the area of the HungNghiep Fomosa Ha Tinh Steel Limited Company (FHS) and several factoriesand companies in the economic zone.
Cuong was sentenced to 30 months in prison, Hang 24 months and Thuan 15 months.
Atthe construction sites of MCC19 and MCC5 companies, also located in theVung Ang Economic Zone, where Chinese workers were working, Nguyen VanThang was identified as the leader of the riot. He was sentenced to 39months in prison.
Despite being warned by authorities, theyapparently did not stop and incited others to cause public disturbanceand actions against authorities and police.
The court was toldmany of the defendants used stones and sticks to attack Chinese workers,causing public disturbance and halting production.
The riot caused the death of three Chinese workers and damaged estates of the FHS and other companies.
ThePeople’s Court of central Ha Tinh province in June sentenced two othersto up to 30 months in prison for looting during the riot at the steelcompany.-VNA