Hanoi -
A court in Ho Chi Minh City jailed two musicians for conducting propaganda against the state, during a half-day trial on Tuesday, their lawyer said.
Vo Minh Tri, better known as Viet Khang, 34, was sentenced to four years in prison, followed by two years under house arrest. Tran Vu Anh Binh, 37, received six years in prison, followed by two years of house arrest, defence lawyer Tran Vu Hai said.
“They did not admit committing a crime but admitted their activities have created a bad impression of the government,” he said. “They both asked for leniency.”
Viet Khang's songs Where is My Country and Who Are You? posted on the YouTube website became internet sensations last year after security forces cracked down on ongoing anti-China protests.
The songs criticised the government's response to a dispute with China over territory in the South China Sea and called for people to join the protests. Khang was arrested in December.
Tran Vu Anh Binh, 37, wrote songs supporting dissidents and the anti-China protests. He was arrested in September last year.
Rights groups have condemned the sentences.
“Its outrageous that the Vietnam government has sentenced these two individuals to prison for writing and performing songs,” said Phil Robertson, deputy director, Asia division, Human Rights Watch.
“Vietnam's defiance of international human rights standards seem limitless.” - Sapa-dpa