Story perspectives

Vietnam Tightens Speech Control, Ranks Low in Press Freedom

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Vietnam's government, led by Communist Party chief To Lam, has intensified online speech control, contributing to Vietnam's ranking of 173rd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
Police opened criminal proceedings against Le Anh Hung, a former Voice of America contributor, for alleged anti-state activities.
Recent amendments to the press law tighten journalist controls by allowing source disclosure.
Human Rights Watch says over 160 political prisoners remain in custody.

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Story summary

Vietnam's government, led by Communist Party chief To Lam, has intensified online speech control, contributing to Vietnam's ranking of 173rd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
Police opened criminal proceedings against Le Anh Hung, a former Voice of America contributor, for alleged anti-state activities.
Recent amendments to the press law tighten journalist controls by allowing source disclosure.
Human Rights Watch says over 160 political prisoners remain in custody.