Hanoi, August 28, 2025 – The Europe Today: Colonel Nguyễn Hữu Quỳnh, representative of the Police Department for the Management of Prisons, Compulsory Re-education Centres, and Reformatories under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), has emphasized that amnesty is a special act of clemency decided by the State President. The policy grants early release to inmates serving fixed-term sentences, as well as those initially sentenced to life imprisonment but later reduced to fixed terms, on major national anniversaries or under special circumstances.
Speaking on Monday, Colonel Quỳnh noted that the amnesty policy embodies Việt Nam’s tradition of humanity and compassion, reflecting the Party and State’s leniency toward prisoners who have sincerely repented, demonstrated progress in rehabilitation, and expressed a genuine desire to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens.
The 2025 Amnesty Advisory Council convened under the chairmanship of Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hòa Bình to review and endorse the list of inmates proposed for early release on the occasion of the 80th National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025).
Reports presented at the meeting showed that inter-agency assessment teams had examined more than 10,000 cases from penitentiaries and detention centres managed by the MPS, provincial criminal judgment enforcement agencies, and military prisons under the Ministry of National Defence. The review process has been conducted in strict compliance with transparent, objective, and lawful procedures, ensuring fairness and adherence to all established criteria. The final list will be submitted to the State President for approval.
Since 2009, the State President has issued eleven amnesty decisions, benefiting over 104,000 inmates who met the required conditions for early release. Most of the beneficiaries have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities, with many establishing stable livelihoods, becoming entrepreneurs, or contributing to local social initiatives. Previous amnesty rounds have garnered strong public support and high recognition from the international community, underscoring Việt Nam’s consistent policy of promoting and protecting human rights.
To ensure the success of the second round of amnesty in 2025, the MPS has called on ministries, agencies, and local administrations to intensify efforts in supporting the reintegration of pardoned inmates. Authorities and socio-political organisations are urged to raise awareness, combat social stigma, and create favorable conditions for returning citizens.
Colonel Quỳnh further stressed the importance of providing vocational training, education, and employment opportunities to those granted amnesty, enabling them to build honest livelihoods, reduce recidivism, and contribute positively to society.
