🇻🇳Week of September 28

National Assembly deputies meeting in a specialized session reviewed draft amendments to Vietnam's administrative violations law, including a proposed maximum fine of 1.5 billion dong for individuals and 3 billion dong for organizations. The deputies also debated enforcement measures that would allow authorities to cut electricity, water, internet and telecommunications services to individuals who fail to comply with administrative penalty decisions. The session was held to assess the fine levels and coercive measures thoroughly before any changes are adopted.123456

Deputies and state media outlets raised concerns about the impact of utility cutoffs on third parties who have not committed any violation. CafeF reported that any regulation allowing the suspension of electricity, water, internet and telecommunications services during enforcement must include provisions to protect innocent third parties. Tuổi Trẻ and Thanh Niên reported that National Assembly deputies urged caution in applying such measures, with Thanh Niên quoting deputies as saying they should be used carefully.789

The draft amendments also include a proposal to consider banning individuals who fail to comply with administrative penalties from leaving the country. Báo Sài Gòn Đầu Tư Tài Chính reported that the exit ban is being weighed as an additional enforcement tool. Tuổi Trẻ reported that the proposed measures include both exit suspension and utility cutoffs for non-compliant individuals.108

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree increasing the size of Russia's armed forces to more than 2.44 million personnel. The expansion comes as Russia plans to spend more than 200 billion USD on defense next year.123

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said North Korea is preparing to send an additional 10,000 soldiers to Russia. The reported deployment would add to North Korean forces already supporting Moscow.45

The United States is set to raise its defense spending to a record level after spending more than 42 billion USD on the conflict with Iran. The increase follows direct military engagements between US and Iranian forces.6

Iran's leadership issued a hardline statement on the only path to ending the conflict with the United States, while Washington warned that Tehran would run out of oil within two weeks. US President Donald Trump said the United States would defeat Iran "very soon." The two sides continued negotiations over Hormuz and the nuclear issue.1234

The United States set conditions for easing sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian funds. Iran declared a hardline position on Hormuz, and the US fired missiles to stop a cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman.56

The United States canceled a planned attack on Iran for the weekend, and Washington and Israel pledged to maintain a hardline stance toward Iran. The national mourning for Iran's late supreme leader was held four months after his death.789

Vietnam's police have arrested three individuals who entered the country illegally and identified themselves as members of the banned organization Viet Tan, which the state designates as a terrorist group. The three were detained upon arrival and subsequently prosecuted, according to state media.1234

The three individuals were named as Nguyen Duc Thuan, Ho Pham Hiep Huy, and Thai Cong Truong Son. They face charges related to their alleged membership in Viet Tan and illegal entry.34

Attributed claim: Viet Tan condemned the arrests, describing them as a kidnapping of two of its members, while Vietnamese authorities maintain that the three were involved in illegal entry and terrorist activities. The opposition outlet Nguoi Viet Online reported Viet Tan's accusation, whereas state sources emphasized the illegal entry and terrorist affiliation.56

The arrests and prosecutions were announced by Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security and reported by state-run media, including Nhan Dan and the government's policy website. The case is part of Vietnam's ongoing efforts to suppress organizations it considers threats to national security.34

The wife of the former director of the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry testified about the markings on stacks of money received as bribes, according to reports. She also described how her husband brought bags of money home and complained that a bribe payment was 'missing 4 notes.'1234

The case involves allegations that forensic examination results were falsified, turning criminals into mental patients. Many doctors and nurses at the institute received money from 'boss' Mai Anh but claimed it was gifts.56

Mai Anh, described as a 'boss' with seven prior convictions, manipulated doctors and nurses at the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry. The former institute director, Tran Van Truong, admitted to all acts of receiving bribes.78

The trial has examined how money stacks were marked and how the former director was questioned about receiving money throughout the institute. The wife's testimony detailed the flow of cash into their home.93