The incident of people looting goods from a burning truck has sparked public outrage, raising questions about ethics and law. Looting is not only a violation of the law but also goes against the fine traditions of Vietnamese people.
Looting at Truck Fire: Greed Blinds Reason
According to lawyer Truong Anh Tu – Head of Truong Anh Tu Law Office (Hanoi Bar Association), looting is a wrongful act stemming from greed and personal gain. Despite knowing it is not their property, looters intentionally seize goods, disregarding social condemnation. Greed has overshadowed reason and conscience, leading them to act wrongly.
Mob Looting: Moral Degradation
The mob looting has lost human values such as “humanity,” “the good leaves protect the tattered ones,” and the spirit of mutual affection and helping others in adversity. This action reflects a moral decline in society.
People loot goods from burning truck despite driver's pleas.
Truck driver helpless as people loot his burning truck.
Mob Mentality: The Root Cause of Looting
In the looting crowd, there are not only poor people but also those who are well-off. This is mob mentality, the root cause of looting and many other social problems. Personal responsibility is disregarded in the community, along with the herd mentality of following and imitating others, regardless of whether the action is right or wrong.
Is Looting “Robbery”?
Lawyer Truong Anh Tu states that looting shows signs of the crime of “Robbery” under Article 171 of the 2015 Penal Code (amended and supplemented in 2017):
Article 171. Robbery
- A person who robs property of another person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for between 03 years and 10 years. …
Lawyer Truong Anh Tu: Grounds for criminal charges in truck fire looting case.
Looting during a truck fire clearly demonstrates intentional fault for the purpose of appropriating property. The offenders brazenly take property in front of the managers who are unable to do anything. The public and blatant nature of the act is evident in the looters not hiding their criminal behavior.
Conclusion: Looting Must Be Severely Punished
Those involved in looting, in addition to being condemned morally and administratively sanctioned, may also be prosecuted and imprisoned if the value of the looted goods is determined. Authorities need to verify and clarify the relevant details, especially the valuation of property and using video clips to identify the looters. Strictly handling looting acts will contribute to deterrence and educate people about legal and ethical awareness.
