Vietnam: Proposal for heavy fines for acts of molestation, sexual harassment

Specifically, according to Point DD, Clause 5, Article 6 of the Draft Decree is as follows:

A fine ranging from 5.000.000 VND to 8.000.000 VND shall be imposed for any of the following violations:

• Molestation, sexual harassment;
• Engaging in sexual acts in public;

In addition, the draft also adds regulations on remedial measures for the above behavior, specifically forcing a public apology to the victim (unless the victim has an unsolicited application).

Currently, under Article 5 of Decree 167/2013/ND-CP, only a warning or a fine ranging from VND 100,000 to VND 300,000 shall be imposed for acts with gestures, words that are rough, provocative, teasing, insulting to the honor and dignity of others.

In addition, the draft also stipulates fines for related acts such as:

- A fine ranging from 2.000.000 VND to 3.000.000 VND shall be imposed for taunting, teasing, insulting, humiliating another person

Currently, the fine applied to individuals who commit this act is a warning or a fine ranging from 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND.

- A fine ranging from 5.000.000 VND to 8.000.000 VND shall be imposed for molestation of a person under 16 but not liable to criminal prosecution (new regulations compared to Decree 167).

It can be seen that the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam strongly proposes to increase administrative fines for acts such as groping and sexual harassment; pornography, public lewdness, or other acts that offend the honor and dignity of others are measures to be more severe deterrents for those who commit the above acts.

Bao Ngoc

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