Vietnam exonerates ex-MP for fatal crash after online outrage

Vietnamese authorities have defended their decision not to charge former National Assembly member Nguyen Sy Cuong following a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old teenager. The accident occurred on May 30, 2025, in Hanoi when Nguyen's vehicle plowed into the teenager and her father before hitting a tree. Despite initial social media outrage, authorities have clarified that the case was closed due to the victim's family not pressing charges.

In a televised statement, police confirmed the details of the crash and the victim's identity, emphasizing that Nguyen did not face prosecution because the family declined to pursue charges. Nguyen's wife, who is the country's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Minister, also appeared on the broadcast to support her husband. The VTV broadcast quoted the victim's father, Do Viet Hung, who expressed no complaints or concerns about the handling of the case.

Security officials were deployed to prevent further tributes at the crash site, which had come to be known as "tree number 55" due to the numerous flowers left there. While some users on social media platforms criticized the authorities for not holding Nguyen accountable, the Ministry of Public Security stated that the investigation had detected plots by hostile forces to incite unrest and cause disturbances.

The broadcast highlighted that the police concluded the crash was caused by Nguyen driving in the wrong lane and on the wrong side of the road, despite him having a valid driver's license and no alcohol in his system. Nguyen has reportedly admitted to his actions and worked to remedy the consequences, with the victim's family acknowledging this and requesting the waiver of criminal prosecution.