Nguyen Thi Binh, the former principal of Ba Dinh Secondary School, is currently embroiled in a legal battle over allegations of collecting excessive fees for additional classes. As her trial unfolds, she has requested that the proceedings be open to public scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of transparency.

On September 10, the Hanoi People's Court concluded the morning session of the appeal trial concerning Binh and former accountant Pham Minh Nguyet. The trial began at 8:30 AM, but journalists faced significant challenges as the audio feed in the press room was non-functional, hindering their ability to report on the proceedings effectively. Despite complaints from around 20 reporters, court officials indicated that they were working to fix the issue, which persisted throughout the morning session.

Lawyer Phung Thi Huyen, representing Binh, highlighted the difficulties faced by legal counsel due to restrictions on using phones and laptops, which are essential for quick legal research. Although the court provided computers, they lacked internet connectivity, further complicating the defense's ability to respond to the charges.

After leaving the courtroom, Binh expressed her distress over the impact of the trial on her honor, stating that she has devoted her life to education and the welfare of her students. She maintains her innocence, asserting that she acted within the law and that the fees collected were in accordance with the Ministry of Education's regulations.

Binh's defense is centered around the argument that the 2013 Decision 22 issued by the Hanoi People's Committee, which set maximum fee limits, was itself unlawful. The Ministry of Justice has since confirmed that the decision was inappropriate, leading to its annulment shortly after the trial's initial verdict sentenced Binh to three years in prison.

As the trial continues, the court is expected to address conflicting opinions regarding the legality of Decision 22. While representatives from the Hanoi Department of Education and the People's Committee defend the decision, a representative from the Ministry of Justice has argued that it violates the law.

The proceedings are set to resume later today, with Binh hoping for a just resolution to her case.