INA-Follow up
Vietnam confirmed on Saturday that it will release approximately 10,000 prisoners, including some from abroad, to coincide with the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Around the world last year, more than 22,000 prisoners were released, a record number for a single year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the 80th anniversary of the declaration of independence.
According to a decision by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Tu Lam, 9,950 prisoners will be released as part of the amnesty program planned for this year.
Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Van Tuyen stated at a press conference on Saturday that the amnesty is a fitting celebration of the Communist Party Congress (held every five years) and the National Assembly elections.
"Among those to be released next month are 63 foreign nationals, including 56 men and seven women of various nationalities," Tuyen added.
Under Vietnamese law, the amnesty does not extend to officers convicted of "attempting to overthrow the government" or "terrorism."
Source: AFP
