American arrested in Vietnam ‘regrets’ breaking the law
William Nguyen tweeted from the rallies, posting images of the crowds and saying he supported people ‘exercising their civic duty to protest injustice’
An American student held in Vietnam for “causing public disorder” at violent protests this month has appeared on state television to say he regrets breaking the law and will stay away from future rallies.
William Nguyen was detained on June 10 in Ho Chi Minh City after attending demonstrations against proposed special economic zones that would grant investors 99-year leases.
Video footage shows the Texas-born 32-year-old with a bleeding head wound being dragged by plain clothes men through the streets before being taken into custody.
Police have launched an investigation into Nguyen for “causing public disorder” and have accused him of trying to damage a fence and flip over police vehicles on the main road to the airport.
Nguyen, a Yale graduate, appeared on television on Monday night to say he broke the law.
“I understand that my acts violated [the law] … I regret that I caused trouble for people heading to the airport. I blocked traffic and caused trouble to my family and friends,” Nguyen said in Vietnamese on HTV in footage provided by city police.
“I will not join any anti-state activities any more,” added Nguyen, who was arrested while passing through Vietnam en route to Singapore where he was set to receive a master’s degree next month.