Two arrested for allegedly killing monkeys

Monkeys

Authorities in Central Vietnam have detained two men accused of shooting
dead four rare monkeys in a protected national park, an official said on Tuesday.

Hoang Duc Ai, 43, and an alleged accomplice, identified simply as Minh,
were arrested in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, after they were spotted
carrying two sacks out of the forest, Le Thanh Tinh, director of the park, said.

“A forest ranger detained one at the site, while one who escaped was
later detained by police,’’ Tinh said.

The police discovered four dead monkeys, 17 kilogrammes of animal bones
 and one AK-style assault rifle, a report posted on the park’s website said.

The monkeys were later identified as Ha Tinh Langurs, an endangered
 monkey from central Vietnam and Laos.

They were found shaved and dried over a fire, their brains and abdomens
 removed.

“We have sent these monkeys and the gun for examination so we have
evidence to deal with these men.

“The men were accused of using illegal military weapons and violating
 regulations protecting endangered wildlife,’’ Tinh said.

If they are found guilty, the two men could face as much as 20 years
 imprisonment.