CPJ urges Vietnam to release jailed journalists ahead of congress

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 16 January 2026 |  JP Asia Desk

CPJ urged Vietnam to free journalists jailed under Article 117 and to reduce legal pressure before the ruling Communist Party's congress. It said recent convictions and trials in absentia reflect tightening repression and damage free expression.

Summary

HANOI — The Committee to Protect Journalists has urged Vietnamese authorities to ease what it described as severe media repression and to release journalists imprisoned for their reporting, days before the ruling Communist Party convenes its national congress scheduled for January 19–25. The call places renewed international scrutiny on Vietnam’s treatment of independent media at a politically sensitive moment for the one-party state.

In a public statement, CPJ said the period leading up to the congress has been marked by intensified use of criminal laws to silence critical reporting and commentary. The organization warned that the arrests and convictions of journalists undermine Vietnam’s stated commitments under international human rights agreements that protect freedom of expression.

Tightening legal pressure before a key political event

CPJ highlighted recent convictions handed down in absentia against contributors to independent online news platforms, saying the cases illustrate the tightening legal environment for journalists and citizen reporters. Vietnamese courts have relied on Article 117 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes the making, storing, or disseminating information deemed to oppose the state, to impose lengthy prison sentences.

Article 117 has long been criticized by international rights groups for its broad wording and its use against reporters, bloggers, and social media commentators who cover corruption, land disputes, environmental issues, or internal party debates. Vietnamese authorities have consistently defended the law as necessary to protect national security and social order.

According to CPJ, the timing of the recent convictions signals heightened sensitivity by authorities ahead of the party congress, an event that sets leadership priorities and policy direction for the next five years. Independent political analysis and investigative reporting typically face greater constraints during such periods, as officials seek to maintain a tightly controlled information environment.

Impact on independent journalism and regional context

Media analysts say the continued application of Article 117 has had a chilling effect on independent journalism inside Vietnam. Many reporters operate anonymously, from exile, or through overseas-hosted platforms to reduce legal risk, while those inside the country often avoid sensitive topics altogether.

Vietnam’s media system is dominated by state-owned outlets that operate under party oversight. While the country has a large and active online population, journalists and users face legal exposure for online speech, particularly when it gains wide circulation. CPJ and other watchdogs have documented multiple cases in which writers were detained following the publication of articles or social media posts that attracted official criticism.

The developments in Vietnam are also being watched closely across Southeast Asia, where several governments have expanded the use of national security and cybercrime laws to regulate online expression. Press freedom advocates argue that Vietnam’s approach reflects a broader regional trend of narrowing space for independent journalism under the banner of stability and security.

International calls and official silence

CPJ called on Vietnam to immediately release all journalists imprisoned solely for their work and to amend or repeal laws that criminalize peaceful expression. The organization said meaningful media reform would strengthen public trust and improve governance, particularly as Vietnam navigates economic and diplomatic challenges.

Vietnamese authorities have not publicly responded to CPJ’s latest statement. In past responses to similar criticism, officials have said those convicted under Article 117 violated the law and were not punished for journalism but for actions deemed harmful to the state.

As the party congress approaches, observers say the likelihood of policy shifts on media freedom remains limited. However, CPJ and other international organizations continue to raise individual cases and broader legal concerns, aiming to keep press freedom on the agenda during a pivotal political moment.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on public statements by the Committee to Protect Journalists and information from publicly available Vietnamese penal code provisions and court judgments.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only

KEY POINTS:

• CPJ called on Vietnamese authorities to release journalists jailed for reporting and to ease intensified legal pressure.
• The appeal was issued days before the ruling Communist Party's national congress.
• Vietnamese courts are increasingly using Article 117 to criminalize information deemed opposing the state.
• Convictions, including in absentia, have targeted contributors to independent online platforms and citizen reporters.
• CPJ warned these arrests and trials undermine Vietnam's international human rights commitments and freedom of expression.