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Despite law enforcement efforts, street violence in Vietnam continues to escalate, with cases of aggression captured on social media sparking widespread outrage.
From minor disputes to violent altercations
In recent weeks, several violent street incidents have emerged from minor conflicts, such as traffic disagreements or trivial misunderstandings, resulting in serious physical assaults and public disorder.
Although authorities have swiftly taken action - filing criminal charges, arresting suspects, and tightening legal enforcement - the recurrence of such incidents in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Nghe An remains alarming.
One notable case involved 29-year-old Le Xuan Hung, a delivery driver in Hanoi, who was brutally assaulted by a Lexus driver following a minor altercation. The incident, which surfaced online on February 10, sparked public outrage.
Just days later, another clip surfaced showing a man punching a driver inside his car on Cua Dong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
More recently, on February 18, a viral video captured a man violently attacking 17-year-old high school student Nguyen Quang S., who was wearing a delivery uniform borrowed from a friend for warmth. The attack occurred after a minor collision at a red light near Vinh City Hospital, leaving the student traumatized.
Public sentiment has been strong, with many demanding harsher penalties. “All acts of violence must be strictly punished. We must strive for a civilized society free from such behaviors,” one VietNamNet reader commented.
Others expressed concern about personal safety. “It’s best to avoid conflicts, even if you’re in the right. Encountering a violent person could cost you more than just an argument,” another reader shared.
The psychology behind public aggression
According to Dr. Nguyen Nhu Trang, a sociologist at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, most people respect the law and adhere to social etiquette. However, a minority continue to engage in violent behaviors, disregarding both legal and ethical standards.
Beyond legal ignorance, Dr. Trang emphasizes that poor emotional control plays a significant role. “When people fail to manage their emotions, they resort to verbal and physical aggression. In many cases, individuals act out of frustration rather than genuine conflict,” she explained.
There is also a social power dynamic at play. Some individuals, believing their wealth or physical strength grants them authority, impose their own sense of justice through intimidation or force rather than legal channels.
“This mindset of ‘might makes right’ distorts social order, allowing those with money, influence, or physical dominance to dictate outcomes instead of relying on law and civility,” Dr. Trang added.
Furthermore, many drivers still perceive their vehicles as personal status symbols rather than just transportation. This mindset fuels aggressive reactions, where even minor accidents result in verbal abuse or physical retaliation.
Legal consequences and the call for stricter enforcement
Lawyer Giang Hong Thanh from Giang Thanh Law Firm warns that the surge in street violence signals a concerning breakdown of social norms and self-discipline.
“These violent acts not only harm individuals but also create an unsafe and uncivilized environment,” he stated.
Many offenders act impulsively, letting anger cloud their judgment. However, once the damage is done, regret cannot undo legal consequences.
“Every citizen must recognize the importance of legal compliance. A moment of rage can lead to serious legal repercussions,” Thanh emphasized.
Authorities are urged to implement stronger preventive measures, increase public awareness campaigns on legal consequences, and reinforce educational programs to promote non-violent conflict resolution.
Curbing street violence: How to tackle the 'might is right' mentality?
According to lawyer Giang Hong Thanh from Giang Thanh Law Office, law enforcement has become stricter in dealing with public altercations. While a few years ago, such incidents were rarely prosecuted unless serious injuries occurred, authorities are now more decisive in maintaining law and order.
Many cases of roadside assault have led to criminal charges under offenses such as disturbing public order, intentional bodily harm, and property damage. However, despite these legal actions, street violence remains prevalent, demanding stronger intervention.
Under Vietnamese law, aggressive behavior in public places constitutes disturbing public order, which carries legal consequences. If a person inflicts injuries exceeding 11% disability (or less than 11% in certain cases), they may face additional charges for intentional bodily harm. Furthermore, damaging property worth over 2 million VND can lead to prosecution for property destruction.
This means that losing one’s temper in public could easily result in criminal charges for at least one offense.
Strict enforcement as a deterrent
Many readers of VietNamNet have called for stricter penalties for roadside violence, arguing that lenient punishment encourages further lawlessness. Some question whether current legal frameworks are effective deterrents, or if offenders can escape consequences through compensation and apologies.
Dr. Dang Van Cuong, a lawyer, explains that Vietnamese law explicitly prohibits assault and disorderly conduct in public.
"Any act of physical violence in public is considered a legal violation. If it causes bodily harm or threatens public safety, the perpetrator will face criminal charges," he emphasized.
Even if victims do not press charges, law enforcement agencies can initiate legal proceedings based on public reports, media coverage, or official investigations.
Moreover, if an assault does not meet the threshold for intentional bodily harm charges, the aggressor can still be prosecuted for disturbing public order, especially if the act disrupts public safety or has severe consequences.
Legal enforcement and social awareness
Dr. Nguyen Nhu Trang, a sociologist at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, asserts that swift legal action against public disturbances demonstrates the strength of Vietnam’s legal system.
However, to align with societal progress, she recommends conducting sociological research and public opinion surveys to ensure laws remain relevant and enforcement remains effective.
Beyond legal measures, she advocates for enhanced public education on legal rights, ethical behavior, and road etiquette. Instilling civic responsibility from school-age children through structured legal and ethical education is key to cultivating a respectful and law-abiding society.
T. Nhung
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