Today noon, after anti-corruption journalist Hoang Khuong ended his last words before the court’s deliberation, his relatives, colleagues at Tuoi Tre newspaper and many others stood up to cheer him.

The followings are Khuong’s last words before the court deliberated to decide on a sentence for Khuong:

"First, I would like to apologize to Ton That Hoa and Nguyen Duc Dong Anh for fully helping me in my journalistic activities for which they are now in legal troubles. I would like the court to consider the motives of those two defendants to have the lightest possible sentences.

I also send my apologies to those at Tuoi Tre Editorial Board and colleagues as my journalistic shortcomings have badly influenced the newspaper’s reputation.

I also would like the court to consider objectively all aspects, including my motives.

Your honor! I always think about the case and ask myself “If I had not written the two articles [exposing corruption], would I be standing in the dock now?” It was purely out of professional shortcomings, with honest motives in detecting and fighting corruption in line with the Party and State policies, instead I had to suffer.

Your honor! During the days in detention and questioning, I asserted I made mistakes. But not to the extent to warrant criminal proceedings and for me, the 248 days I have been in detention so far is too heavy a punishment.

I wish the court to take into account my contributions as a journalist, consider my motives, the rights and wrongs in this case. During the time as a journalist no matter where, I was always assigned the task of reporting on home affairs, a very dangerous and complicated one.

I always fulfilled my duty, never made a mistake and had positive contribution in helping the police detect wrongdoings within its own forces. This is my first wrongdoing, if I had a chance to return to work as a reporter, I would see this as a valuable lesson and will not repeat the offense.

Last, I wish the court to apply article 289 of the Criminal Code and other extenuating circumstances for me and declare me not guilty as a mercy of the law that I deserve."