Hanoi, August 02, 2024, The Europe Today: According to the report of NHC, the Presidential Office of Vietnam officially unveiled the President’s decision on amnesty for 2024 during a press conference in Hanoi on Friday. The announcement, made by Vice Chairman of the Presidential Office Phạm Thanh Hà, follows the signing of Decision No. 758/2024/QD-CTN by President Tô Lâm on July 30. This decision commemorates the 79th National Day on September 2 and the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi on October 10.
The amnesty will consider prisoners for clemency based on their service time up to September 30, 2023. Eligible candidates include those serving fixed-term prison sentences, individuals whose life imprisonment sentences have been reduced to fixed terms, and those with suspended prison sentences. However, certain categories of prisoners are excluded from this amnesty, including those convicted of treason, activities aimed at overthrowing the government, espionage, violations of territorial security, riots, and terrorism.
Since 2009, Vietnam has granted amnesty on several occasions to mark significant national events and holidays, with over 92,000 prisoners receiving clemency. This year’s amnesty continues to reflect the Party and State’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, ensuring fairness and equality for all citizens, including those currently serving prison sentences.
Phạm Thanh Hà highlighted the positive impact of previous amnesties, noting that many beneficiaries have successfully reintegrated into society, reunited with their families, and contributed positively to their communities. He emphasized that the low reoffending rate among amnesty recipients underscores the humanitarian success of the policy, reflecting the Party and State’s dedication to human rights.
Deputy Foreign Minister Hà Kim Ngọc reported that there are currently 643 foreign prisoners in Vietnamese detention facilities. Vietnamese authorities are reviewing their cases and will announce the specific number of foreign prisoners to be included in this year’s amnesty. In previous years, 16 foreign nationals received amnesty in 2022, and 21 in 2021.
Deputy Minister of Public Security Lê Quốc Hùng indicated that a detailed list of this year’s amnesty beneficiaries will be released on National Day.
