In a recent call to action, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Huynh Ngoc Tuan, a journalist arrested in Buon Ho town, Vietnam. Tuan faces charges of "propagandizing against the state," an offense that could see him imprisoned for up to two decades. The arrest underscores the ongoing suppression of free speech in a country where dissent is met with severe penalties.

Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s senior Southeast Asia representative, criticized the arrest, stating, "Huynh Ngoc Tuan’s arrest is a stark reminder of Vietnam’s intolerance for dissent. Tuan’s independent journalism contributes balance to Vietnam’s highly censored public discourse — his detention only deepens the nation’s press freedom crisis. He should be released now."

Huynh Ngoc Tuan is known for his independent journalism and commentary on Vietnamese politics, international affairs, and human rights, which he frequently posts on his Facebook page. His family has also been targeted by the government, facing harassment such as home raids, travel restrictions, and the seizure of personal belongings. Tuan's daughter, Huynh Thuc Vy, has also suffered in the hands of the authorities, having been imprisoned and reportedly mistreated for defacing a national flag.

Vietnam currently holds approximately 40 journalists behind bars, with widespread reports of maltreatment in prisons. In its 2024 prison census, CPJ ranked Vietnam as the seventh-worst jailer of journalists globally, tying with countries like Iran and Eritrea. This ranking reflects a broader issue of media suppression under the current administration.

Reporters Without Borders places Vietnam at 173 out of 180 countries in its press freedom index, highlighting the severe restrictions and control the government imposes on traditional media. The report states, "Vietnam’s traditional media are closely controlled by the single party. Independent reporters and bloggers are often jailed, making Vietnam one of the world's biggest prisons for journalists."

Since To Lam's appointment as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in August 2024, the crackdown on journalists and dissenters has intensified, signaling a troubling era for press freedom in the country. The international community continues to watch and react as Vietnam's policies toward journalists and free speech remain under strict scrutiny.