Environmentalist prosecuted for tax evasion, not her activism: Foreign ministry

Ngụy Thị Khanh, director of Việt Nam’s Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID), has been arrested for tax fraud. — Photo courtesy of Hà Nội Police

HÀ NỘI — Ngụy Thị Khanh, former head of NGO GreenID and known for advocating the reduction of coal-fired power in Việt Nam, was handed a prison sentence for economic crimes, not her environmental activism, spokesperson for the foreign ministry Lê Thị Thu Hằng said on Thursday.

During the regular press briefing held in Hà Nội, Hằng said that on June 17, the People’s Court of Hà Nội opened a first-instance trial and had subsequently sentenced the 46-year-old Ngụy Thị Khanh to 24 months in prison for tax evasion under Article 200 of the Penal Code.

She was arrested earlier in February by the Hà Nội’s police.

The investigation and trial process were conducted in accordance with the provisions of law, Hằng said, adding that the trial was held in public and the defendant’s rights were fully guaranteed as prescribed by law.

“Việt Nam resolutely combats and strictly punishes in accordance with the law, ensuring the rule of law in the country. All citizens are equal before the law,” the spokesperson noted.

Việt Nam has implemented awareness campaigns and education measures to gradually raise citizens’ awareness and spirit of law abidance, contributing to the building of the rule of law in Việt Nam.

“It is also necessary to reaffirm that Việt Nam has always made a serious and strong commitment to environmental protection, climate change response, green and sustainable development. This has been clearly stated in many legal documents, guidelines and policies of Việt Nam,” Hằng stressed, dismissing the notion that the arrest will derail Việt Nam’s transition to clean energy.

She noted that at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in UK’s Glasgow last year, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính delivered a speech affirming Việt Nam’s commitment to achieving sustainable development, net zero emissions by 2050, a 30 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas methane by 2030, and the country has also participated in the COP26 Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement and the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use.

According to the spokesperson, Việt Nam is taking comprehensive measures in the field of energy transition, shifting the country’s growth model towards a green and circular economy.

The Government of Việt Nam regularly consults and collects feedback and opinions from scientists, non-governmental organisations and international partners in the development of policies and laws on environment and climate change issues, Hằng said.

“Organisations that support environmental protection and green development activities in Việt Nam have participated and made contributions and their contributions are recognised,” the spokesperson remarked.

“As I mentioned above, Ngụy Thi Khanh was investigated and prosecuted for economic crimes, specifically, the violation of the legal provisions on tax and she has admitted her actions. The speculation that Ngụy Thị Khanh is being criminally handled for her activities and opinions related to climate change are baseless and do not reflect the nature of the case,” the foreign spokesperson stated. — VNS