Vietnam pardons over 4,000 inmates, including 14 foreign nationals

The Presidential Office announced on November 30 the president’s decision to grant amnesty to over 4,000 inmates who have shown good behaviour at correctional facilities.

Those to be pardoned include fourteen foreign nationals, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

 

The oldest inmate granted amnesty is 84 years old while the youngest is only 16.

 

Of the more than 4,000 inmates to be released, 144 committed crimes related to economic management and have paid VND700 million (US$30,800) in additional fines.

 

Nearly 500 were drug criminals while 109 were convicted murderers.

 

The amnesty is due to the humane nature of the Vietnamese Party and State, which seek to help those who have shown remorse for their past infringements upon the law to become rehabilitated and become good citizens in society.

 

Vice Chairman of the Presidential Office Giang Son said the vetting process was transparent, equal and democratic in line with the law, but that this amnesty was stricter, so the number of pardoned inmates was smaller than in previous ones.

 

(Source: NDO)