Fine of up to VND 20 million for Impersonating journalist or reporter for journalistic activities in Vietnam

Fine of up to VND 20 million for Impersonating journalist or reporter for journalistic activities in Vietnam (Illustration)

Article 6 of Decree 119/2020/ND-CP stipulates a fine from VND 3,000,000 to VND 5,000,000 dong for the action below:

- Use expired press card for journalistic activities;

- Foreign reporter, press assistant of foreign report engaged in journalistic activities in Vietnam without valid foreign report card issued by MFA;

- The head of the media organization or the working agency of the person subject to return of the press card does not take back the press card or withdraw the press card but fails to submit it to MIC or fails to give notice in writing for the following cases:  The person who is granted a press card but changes to other duties no longer eligible for a press card; retired press card holder; the person who has expired labor employment but is not eligible for signing a new labor employment or no longer works at the media organization;

- The holder of press card does not return his/her press card (unless he/she obtains certification of loss of the police of the commune, ward or town where the card is lost) in the following cases: The media organization has the press license revoked; the press card holder changes to other duties no longer eligible for a press card; retired press card holder; the person who has expired labor employment but is not eligible for signing a new labor employment or no longer works at the media organization;

- The head of the media organization appoints or delegates the authority to his subordinates to appoint journalists or reporters to engage in journalistic activities not in accordance with the principles and purposes stated in the press license;

- The journalist does not conduct journalistic activities in accordance with the principles and purposes stated in the press license of the working media organization.

A fine from VND 10,000,000 to VND 20,000,000 for the action below:

- Impersonating journalist or reporter for journalistic activities;

- Abusing the capacity of journalist or reporter to intervene, obstruct the lawful operation of organizations and individuals;

- Using modified press card for journalistic activities.

A fine from VND 20,000,000 to VND 40,000,000 shall be imposed for taking advantage of the status of journalists and reporters for self-seeking purposes.

In addition, confiscation of violating materials will occur in cases of using an expired press card, using a modified or tampered press card for journalistic activities, or taking advantage of journalist status to seek personal gain.

Details can be found at Decree 119/2020/ND-CP, effective from December 1, 2020.

Le Vy

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