One of the most popular news sites in Vietnam is suspended and fined about $10,000 after it was accused of publishing false information. Even though the communist party had jailed and controlled many journalists and bloggers who criticized the government,  this is the first time the government is canceling the licenses. The Ministry of Information and Communication said in an announcement that the state-owned Tuoi Tre Online misquoted President Tran Dai Quang in an article in June that had him endorsing the idea of a law on demonstrations.

It further said that in a separate report last year on highway development, comments posted on the site had also contributed to undermining national unity. The report on the president came days after scores were detained in June, following sometimes violent protests in several cities against planned special economic zones seen as opening the door to land takeovers by China.
An American-Vietnamese citizen who was arrested during the crackdown is expected to face trial soon.

The statement from the ministry observed that the outlet must pay a fine, surrender its license for three months, publish a correction and issue an apology and wanted Tuoi Tre Online to obey the order of the government seriously. The newspaper connected with the site published a note in print saying it would comply with the order.  Tuoi Tre Online will have to say goodbye to their readers for three months. During this time, Tuoi Tre Online will proceed with the perfection of its personnel, improving its content so that they can serve the readers better when they are back. It said several print publications published by the same institution would continue operating normally. The website was one of the most widely read in the country, publishing critical content on politics, lifestyle and social issues.