A court in Vietnam has sentenced a 70-year-old Australian citizen to 12 years in prison on charges of terrorism.

Chau Van Kham, a retired baker, belongs to the human rights group Viet Tan, which the Vietnam government considers a terrorist organization.

He is accused of recruiting members for the group, raising funds for "anti-state activity" and joining anti-Vietnam protests in Australia.

In court, he denied conducting any terrorist acts, his lawyer said.

"His activities were peaceful," he said.

Read more: BBC News