Pham Doan Trang, one of Vietnam’s democracy activists and independent journalists, has been arrested for alleged anti-state propaganda.

Blogger Pham Doan Trang

Trang, a citizen with Hanoi residence registration, was arrested at late night of October 6 in Ho Chi Minh City and will be charged with propaganda and dissemination of documents against the state as per the Penal Code.

Both crimes are punishable with a maximum of 20 years behind bars.

The People's Supreme Court of Hanoi approved the arrest warrant of the Investigative Police of Hanoi. Further proceedings are being carried out the the police, the Ministry of Public Security said in a statement. 

Trang, 42, is known for several books published outside Vietnam. She worked for several newspapers before being an independent reporter. 

In 2019, she was a winner of Award for Impact by the Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF).