In a momentous trial, The Dak Lak People’s Court has sentenced nearly 100 people related to the 2023 Dak Lak gun attacks, as reported by Vietnamese state media. Among those convicted, ten received life sentences.
The individuals faced a variety of charges under the criminal code of Vietnam, including terrorism against the people’s government, terrorism, organizing illegal exit or entry, and concealing a crime. The trial lasted five days, resulting in verdicts that will see ten of those involved, who had taken a leadership role in inciting the attacks, incarcerated for life. Other sentences ranged from three and a half to 20 years for terrorism-related charges, while two accused of organizing unlawful entry into Vietnam and hiding crimes received shorter sentences of two years and nine months, respectively.
Six defendants, all sentenced for terrorism, remain at large, and their current locations are unknown. The court has pledged to cooperate with domestic and international authorities to ensure these fugitives are returned to Vietnam to serve their sentences.
The attacks in question took place on June 11, 2023. An unidentified group assaulted the People’s Committees of Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur communes, causing nine fatalities including four police officers, two commune officers, and three civilians, alongside numerous injuries. Dak Lak prosecutors have claimed a link between the attacks and the U.S.-based group, Support Group for Montagnards (MSGI).