The Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association has removed lawyers Dang Dinh Manh and Nguyen Van Mieng from its list of members due to unpaid membership fees, as reported by the Ho Chi Minh City Law Newspaper.
Additionally, the two lawyers had previously defended individuals from the Peng Lei Buddhist House, resulting in their suspension for allegedly “abusing democratic freedoms” under Article 331 of the Criminal Code.
Both lawyers expressed their belief that their removal was politically motivated and aimed at targeting them for prosecution in connection with the Tinh That Bong Lai case.
Despite facing legal challenges, both lawyers remain committed to upholding the principles of their profession and defending those in need.
The Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association, controlled by the central government, is responsible for protecting the rights of practicing lawyers, including those like Dang Dinh Manh and Nguyen Van Mieng.
The two lawyers, currently residing in the United States, have faced legal issues in Vietnam related to their defense of individuals involved in political cases.
Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan.