VietNamNet Bridge – The People’s Superior Court in HCM City yesterday rejected the appeals of 14 of 16 defendants charged with “terrorism against the people’s administration”, after a two-day trial.

The People’s Superior Court in HCM City yesterday rejected the appeals of 14 of 16 defendants charged with “terrorism against the people’s administration”, after a two-day trial.— VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Chung

The court upheld the original sentences of five to 16 years in prison issued at a trial in February.

“No additional evidence was given that would result in a reduction of the original sentence,” the court said.

The court said the group had plotted to use petrol bombs to blow up Tan Son Nhat International Airport last year as the country was preparing to celebrate Liberation Day, a national holiday on April 30 which marks the liberation of the south. 

Two other defendants charged with "failing to denounce criminals" did not send appeal letters to the court.

The court concluded at the previous trial that the defendants were “enticed by subversive forces abroad to engage in activities against the administration and the people,” such as spreading false and distorted information on social media, participating in demonstrations, recruiting members for reactionary organisations, and making weapons. 

Their acts posed serious danger to society, threatening national security and violating people’s assets and health, the court said.

Source: VNS