Nguyễn Thị Bình appeals prison sentence for abuse of power

The Hanoi People's Court held an appeal trial on September 10 for Nguyễn Thị Bình, the former principal of Ba Dinh Secondary School, who was previously sentenced to three years in prison for ‘abuse of position and power’. The case involves illegal tuition collection during the 2013-2014 school year based on local regulations that have since been declared unlawful by the Ministry of Justice and subsequently repealed by the Hanoi People's Committee.

During the proceedings, Bình appealed the entire verdict, requesting that the original sentence be overturned and the case be re-investigated. She expressed significant personal distress, stating the legal battle has negatively impacted her family's livelihood and her children's employment prospects. While the Procuracy suggested canceling the first-instance judgment for further investigation, Bình rejected this, maintaining her innocence and arguing that the prosecution failed to collect necessary evidence.

Also involved in the appeal is former accountant Phạm Thị Minh Nguyệt, who received a 24-month suspended sentence in the first instance and is seeking a reduction in her penalty and fines.