The deadly terrorist attacks that occurred in Dak Lak Province of Vietnam’s Central Highlands region in June 2023 were investigated and tried in accordance with Vietnamese laws, without any ethnic discrimination, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed on Thursday.

Spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang was speaking at a regular press briefing in Hanoi in response to reporters’ questions about the ministry’s reaction to reports that there was ethnic discrimination in the fatal attack case that was brought to court recently.

“We completely reject the claim saying there is ethnic discrimination in this case. All ethnic groups living in the territory of Vietnam are treated equally,” Hang said.   

She reiterated that the Vietnamese government always gives priority to ethnic minority areas, especially in promoting socio-economic development and enhancing the quality of life of local residents.

The investigation and hearing of the terror attacks were conducted in compliance with the laws of Vietnam, the spokesperson stressed.

When asked about the coordination between Vietnam and the U.S. in the investigation of the terror attacks, one of the two masterminds of which had resided in North Carolina, Hang said the two sides have been exchanging information related to the deadly incidents on the basis of the laws of both countries as well as international laws.  

In previous discussions with the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, the U.S. side affirmed that it would not tolerate any organizations or individuals involved in the armed attacks, the spokesperson stated. 

The U.S. also pledged to support Vietnam’s law enforcement forces in the process of probing and clarifying the case in order to prevent similar incidents in the future, which may affect the relations between the two countries, Hang added. 

“We firmly believe that nations and individuals around the globe who cherish peace unequivocally condemn acts of terrorism in any manifestation," the diplomat emphasized.

"We are committed to collaborating and adhering to international law to rigorously address and respond to any acts of terrorism.”

On January 20, the People's Court in Dak Lak Province announced the verdicts for 100 defendants, aged between 18 and 56, responsible for carrying out the terrorist attacks on the People's Committee headquarters in Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur Communes, Cu Kuin District.

The attacks occurred on June 11 last year, resulting in the tragic loss of four police officers, two commune officials, and three civilians.

Out of the defendants, 10 were sentenced to life imprisonment for charges related to ‘terrorism against the people’s government.’

The remaining offenders, including six who had evaded authorities by fleeing abroad, received varying jail terms ranging from nine months to 20 years for ‘terrorism,’ ‘brokering illegal entry into Vietnam,’ and ‘concealing crimes.’

At the court, all the defendants pleaded guilty to the crimes outlined in the indictments and admitted that they had been incited by certain exiled reactionary organizations to attack local authorities, aiming to establish the so-called ‘Degar State’ in the Central Highlands.

The term 'Degar' is utilized to denote Montagnard groups, encompassing diverse indigenous communities primarily situated in the Central Highlands region.

This area comprises the five provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum.

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