HANOI, Vietnam (AP) June 7, 1999- Further clamping down on criticism of the ruling Communist Party, official media Monday published a list of the latest prohibitions on free speech by party members.
The politburo's decision, reprinted in the provincial Hung Yen Daily newspaper, bars Communists from speaking out publicly against party decisions or inciting others to do so.
Members are also banned from distributing documents that question party policies and decisions, and may not write anonymous letters or make accusations against people they disagree with. Inciting factionalism and party splits is also forbidden.
In a swipe at the rampant corruption that triggered increasing criticism, the 14-point list prohibits using state funds for personal purposes and bans excessive expenditures on funerals, weddings and celebrations. Sending family members on study tours is banned.
The order appears to follow up on a January resolution that spoke of a crackdown on dissent and factionalism in the party, following a spate of anonymous letters directed at members accused of corruption.