This morning (January 16), the Hanoi People's Court brought the case of Bribery, Receiving Bribes, and Abuse of Position and Power while Performing Official Duty that occurred in Lam Dong Province to trial under the first instance procedure. 10 defendants were brought to trial for the crimes of Bribery, Receiving Bribes, and Abuse of Position and Power while Performing Official Duty.

According to the court clerk's report, of the 10 defendants brought to trial, 9 were present at the trial. Defendant Nguyen Hong Giang, former Director of Department II, Government Inspectorate, was absent. Defendant Giang's lawyer said that Mr. Giang had suffered a stroke, 3 months before the trial, Mr. Giang suffered a second stroke and was paralyzed on one side of his body, unable to move.

On January 9, Mr. Giang filed a request for trial in absentia. According to the lawyer, during the investigation, Mr. Giang always cooperated and gave testimony, Mr. Giang's absence did not affect the trial, the lawyer requested the panel of judges to continue working.

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Mr. Mai Tien Dung appeared in court looking sickly. Photo: CTV

Defendant Mai Tien Dung, former Minister and Head of the Government Office, appeared in court looking weak and was helped into the courtroom by others. The defendant was detained from May 1, 2024 to July 17, 2024 and is currently under preventive measures of bail and temporary suspension of exit from the country.

During the trial proceedings, when asked, Mr. Mai Tien Dung stood up but was supported by two people on both sides. In court, Mr. Mai Tien Dung's lawyer said that his client was being treated in the neurology department because Mr. Dung suffered from vestibular disorders due to the sequelae of cerebral infarction. The lawyer asked the panel of judges to allow the defendant to sit down to answer questions due to his poor health.

The lawyer of the defendant Nguyen Cao Tri, General Director of Saigon Dai Ninh Company, said that his client's health was not good as he was being treated for a spinal disease. Mr. Tri's lawyer also requested the panel of judges to allow the defendant to sit down to answer questions.

Mr. Bui Cao Nhat Quan, son of tycoon Bui Thanh Nhon and representative of Ms. Phan Thi Hoa (former owner of Saigon Dai Ninh project) were present at the trial.

After deliberation, the panel of judges decided to accept the defendant Nguyen Hong Giang’s request for trial in absentia. Among the 36 people with related rights and obligations summoned by the court, some were absent. Regarding the absence of these people, the panel of judges said that during the trial, they would be asked to be present if deemed necessary.

The panel of judges said that a medical team had been arranged, and the prison also had medical staff accompanying them to serve any necessary cases. The panel of judges decided to continue the trial.