Mock Trial on IUU Violations Sends Strong Warning to Fishermen

	A New Direction for Vietnamese Fishermen’s Livelihoods
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Implementing the Prime Minister’s Directive on the peak month for preventing and combating IUU fishing, Coast Guard Region 3 Command coordinated with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court, the Military Court of Military Region 7, and Cong ly Newspaper to organize a mock trial, a seminar, and legal exchanges with fishermen in Vung Tau Ward and Long Hai Commune.

The mock trial in Vung Tau Ward.

The mock trial simulated the criminal case involving Nguyen Van Dung (fishing vessel owner) and Nguyen Van Hien (captain). Seeking illegal profits from unauthorized fishing in foreign waters, Dung instructed Hien to take fishermen out of the country illegally for fishing. To avoid inspection, the defendants ordered the crew to erase the vessel’s identification number and remove the vessel monitoring system (VMS)—acts identified as particularly dangerous, seriously undermining efforts to combat IUU fishing and harming Viet Nam’s international reputation in fulfilling commitments with the European Commission.

At the trial, the Procuracy prosecuted the defendants for the crime of “Organizing illegal exit for others” under Point c, Clause 2, Article 348 of the Criminal Code, and the crime of “Disrupting the operation of electronic equipment” under Point e, Clause 2, Article 287 of the Criminal Code. After deliberation, the Trial Council sentenced Nguyen Van Dung to 10 years in prison and Nguyen Van Hien to 8 years. The strict sentences demonstrated clear deterrence and educational value, while also sounding an alarm about deliberate legal violations in fishing activities.

The mock trial in Long Hai Commune.

Speaking at the program, Colonel Le Van Tu, Political Commissar of Coast Guard Region 3 Command, stated that the mock trial is an effective communication method closely aligned with fishermen’s real-life circumstances. By simulating typical cases, the program helps people easily understand and remember legal regulations, thereby enhancing compliance awareness while working at sea. Many concerns raised by fishermen regarding legally permitted fishing zones, responsibilities when using VMS devices, and penalties for IUU violations were directly addressed by authorities during the session.

Fishermen received leaflets and brochures for communication purposes.

Fisherman Nguyen Van Nho, a vessel owner from Long Hai Commune, shared that watching the mock trial helped locals clearly understand the legal consequences of each specific action. Every simulated situation was realistic and easy to grasp, enabling fishermen to better recognize their responsibilities when going offshore and the risk of sanctions if they deliberately violate the law.

The organizers also presented 20 gifts to policy-beneficiary families and 20 gift sets - including national flags, life jackets, and essential items - to households in Vung Tau Ward and Long Hai Commune, encouraging them to continue going to sea and contributing to the protection of maritime sovereignty.

Fishermen in Vung Tau Ward signed commitments not to violate IUU regulations.

At the event, fishermen also signed commitments not to violate IUU regulations, demonstrating their determination to join the nationwide effort to remove the European Commission’s “yellow card” and move toward a responsible and sustainable fisheries sector.

Coast Guard Region 3 Command stated that it will continue coordinating with relevant agencies and units to organize additional mock trials and IUU communication programs in Vinh Long and Lam Dong in the coming days, helping spread awareness widely throughout the national fishing community.

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