The Hanoi Security Investigation Agency has proposed that author and social activist Dang Hoang Giang face an administrative penalty for spreading what they deem false information about Nguyen Nhat Anh, director of the publishing company Nha Nam.

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Author Dang Hoang Giang. Photo: FBNV

This recommendation was detailed in an official response to Nha Nam on July 10, following the company’s request for clarification on the final resolution of the matter.

On July 22, Nha Nam stated that Mr. Giang’s social media posts had generated damaging publicity, causing significant harm to both the company and its director, Nguyen Nhat Anh.

“We understand that sexual harassment is a sensitive issue requiring careful handling and professional integrity. Subjective interpretation and emotionally charged language can easily lead to inaccurate public perception,” a company spokesperson said. “That’s why we chose to transfer the matter to the appropriate authorities for investigation.”

Earlier, Nha Nam and its director had filed a formal complaint, accusing Mr. Giang of “spreading false information, defamation, humiliation, and abuse of democratic freedoms to infringe upon the legal rights and interests of an individual and organization.”

Police concluded that posts made on Mr. Giang’s Facebook account, “Giang Dang,” showed signs of violating Article 331 of the Penal Code - abuse of democratic freedoms to infringe upon the rights of others. However, the authorities determined the case did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution and instead recommended administrative punishment.

On June 26, the investigation agency officially decided not to initiate criminal proceedings and advised Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports to handle the matter under Decree 15/2020. It also suggested that the Ministry of Home Affairs consider revoking Mr. Giang’s work permit under Decree 152/2020, which governs foreign labor in Vietnam.

Dang Hoang Giang, 60, holds Austrian nationality and is known for his work in psychology, social development, and policy advocacy. He is the author of Buc Xuc Khong Lam Ta Vo Can and Dai Duong Den, and has long been active in promoting women’s and children’s rights.

The dispute began in April 2024, when Mr. Giang emailed Nha Nam to terminate their cooperation, referencing allegations that his younger sister had been emotionally harmed by Mr. Nhat Anh’s inappropriate remarks and physical contact of a sexual nature.

Ten days later, Giang posted the announcement publicly on his Facebook page.

In response to the allegations, Nguyen Nhat Anh issued an apology via Nha Nam’s long-running fan page, expressing regret toward staff and readers. He admitted to gestures of “affection and care” toward female employees but insisted these actions remained within ethical bounds and occurred in specific contexts.

At the time, Mr. Nhat Anh was suspended from his post. However, he resumed his role as company director in November 2024.

Founded in 2005, Nha Nam is a prominent cultural and publishing house in Vietnam, known for its loyal readership and high-quality book curation.

Tien Dung