A former lawmaker widely known for speaking out against law enforcement agencies has been expelled from Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party, state media reported.
Luu Binh Nhoung was expelled for allegedly aiding and abetting extortion. He was arrested last month for his connection to the case of convicted criminal Pham Minh Cuong.
At the time of his arrest, he was the deputy head of the National Assembly’s People’s Petitions Committee – a role in which he had received public praise for investigating the cases of people seeking justice.
During the November 2018 National Assembly session, Nhuong criticized the Ministry of Public Security and said the police had made “terrible mistakes.”
He also spoke out against the execution of Le Van Manh, who had protested his innocence in a rape and murder case, claiming the police had beaten him to force him to confess.
Being expelled from the Communist Party is the ultimate disgrace for a member of Vietnam's elite class because they no longer have the privileges and protection that party membership confers, and they can be in more legal jeopardy if suspected of crimes.
The decision to expel Nhuong was made during the 34th meeting session of the CPV Central Inspection Commission in Hanoi, held Dec. 18-20, 2023, state media reported.
On Nov. 14, 2023, Thai Binh Provincial Police’s Investigation Agency issued a decision to prosecute and arrest Mr. Luu Binh Nhuong and a warrant to search his home and office on the charges of “extortion” under Article 170 of Vietnam’s Penal Code.
According to the website of the Thai Binh Provincial Police, Nhuong allegedly interfered in responsible agencies’ work to help Pham Minh Cuong carry out extortion activities.
He was also a member of the 14th National Assembly of Vietnam for the 2016-2021 term and a member of the National Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee.
He was not recommended for re-election as a member of the 15th National Assembly because at age 60 he was said to be too old.
Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.