Posting nonsense news, Mr. Turtle is still famous
On March 28, 2015, a forum website about culture, cuisine and tourism, an electronic news site posted an article with a very impressive title: "Sadly saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Rua at Sword Lake on this morning". This information has caused a stir in public opinion, causing confusion among people.
The article titled "Sadly saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Hoan Kiem Lake Turtle early this morning" was posted on the website ola88 (screenshot on the morning of March 29).
However, the content of the article refers to the specimen of Mr. Turtle residing in a glass case at Ngoc Son Temple (Hanoi), one of four people who once lived in Hoan Kiem Lake. More than 40 years ago, he passed away in a turbulent event. The article also quotes an interview with Professor Ha Dinh Duc, a zoologist who spent about 20 years researching turtles in Hoan Kiem Lake, telling the story of his death. Mr. Duc also warned that, if the remaining turtle is not treated promptly, the last large soft-shelled turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake will also pass away.
Obviously, this is a shocking headline to attract views (viewers), causing confusion among readers, because Mr. Hoan Kiem Lake Turtle is a "living treasure" and is of interest to people all over the country.
According to people, most recently at noon on March 28, Mr. Rua was floating on the water. (Document photo)
To clarify this information, on March 29, Nguoi Dua Messenger newspaper reporter went to Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi), where Mr. Rua lives to verify the above information. Here, many people gathered along Hoan Kiem Lake. They were buzzing and discussing the news of Mr. Rua's death. Ms. Nguyen Van Anh (residing in Tay Ho, Hanoi) said: "This morning, when I opened my phone to read the news and saw a forum post on the front page saying that Mr. Turtle had passed away, I quickly ran out. Let's see what's really going on."
In 2011, the turtle was injured but was recovered and treated for his injuries. Currently, Mr. Turtle is completely healthy and still floats on the surface of the lake from time to time."
Ms. Hoa also said that most recently, at noon on March 28 (the day some news sites posted information about Mr. Turtle's death, causing a stir in public opinion), Mr. Turtle floated to the surface. Many people came to watch and take photos. The turtle is completely healthy and shows no signs of illness. Ms. Hoang Thi Nhu Hoa (a resident of Le Thai To street - along Hoan Kiem lake) said: "There is absolutely no information about the turtle's death. These past few days, I have seen the lake as normal, only seeing people coming to ask about Mr. Rua."
It is known that the Sword Lake turtle consists of four individuals, of which one is alive and three are dead. In fact, two turtles died in an undetermined period of time, the third turtle died in 1967 and still has specimens in Ngoc Son temple, the fourth turtle is currently living in Hoan Kiem Lake and is considered a rare animal being protected by the State. protect. Sword Lake turtles are a priceless heritage associated with sacred historical and cultural legends for thousands of years.
“Can be imprisoned for up to 7 years…”
It is known that the website (ola88) that posted the above article is a forum on cultural, culinary and tourism issues. A check by a technology employee showed that this website's server is located in Ho Chi Minh City, not abroad as many people predicted.
On the afternoon of March 29, in response to the harsh reaction of social networks, the article's title was changed from "Sadly saddened by the sudden death of the Sword Lake Turtle in the early hours of this morning" to "The death of the "Mr. Turtle" in Ngoc Son Temple." . By March 30, when the reporter visited this website, the article had been removed. This article is still saved on some news sites.
Talking to reporters of Nguoi Dua Tin newspaper, lawyer Nguyen Hoang Tien (Chairman of the Commendation and Discipline Council, Hanoi Bar Association) said: Article 226 of the Penal Code stipulates: Crime of giving or using Illegally transmitting information on computer networks, telecommunications networks, and internet networks carries a fine of between VND 10 million and VND 200 million. If the violation is serious, the penalty will be non-custodial reform for up to 3 years, or imprisonment. from 6 months to 7 years. In addition, the offender is also banned from practicing or holding a position from 1 year to 5 years.
Lawyer Nguyen Hoang Tien (Chairman of the Commendation and Discipline Council, Hanoi Bar Association).
“In my opinion, the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Information and Communications needs to verify the legal status of the above websites. If signs of violation are found, posting false articles, causing public confusion, administrative sanctions or suspension of operations may be imposed. Even stronger, we can invite the investigation agency to participate to handle violations," Lawyer. Nguyen Hoang Tien said.
“It's a complete fabrication...”
Talking to a reporter of Nguoi Dua Tin newspaper, Professor Ha Dinh Duc, Vietnam's leading turtle research expert, expressed his frustration at the fact that some news sites published the article "Sorrowful of sudden death". of Mr. Rua Guom Lake at dawn this morning - March 28".
Professor Ha Dinh Duc, Vietnam's leading turtle research expert.
GS. Ha Dinh Duc said: "On Sunday morning (March 29), as usual, I went to Sword Lake to visit Mr. Rua. Many people asked me about my response on a news site about Mr. Turtle's passing. This is a complete fabrication. They created a headline to attract customers and then later gave my opinion about Mr. Turtle living in a glass cabinet at Ngoc Son Temple, one of four people who lived at Sword Lake and passed away in 1967. They also quoted my opinion as saying that if the remaining turtle is not treated promptly, the last large soft-shelled turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake will also be gone. This is completely fabricated.
“Most recently, I only responded to the press on March 20 when Mr. Turtle's emergence coincided with the event that many trees in Hanoi were cut down and replaced. Currently, Mr. Rua is still healthy and is being carefully monitored and cared for. I would like to emphasize again that the information posted by the website is false. Therefore, everyone should know how to receive information, especially read news from press agencies and not believe in unauthorized news sites that influence public opinion", Professor. Ha Dinh Duc emphasized.