In a sweeping act of clemency and national reconciliation, the Government of Vietnam has announced the release of nearly 14,000 prisoners as part of a special amnesty program marking the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and national reunification.
The Presidential Office confirmed that 8,055 inmates, including 25 foreign nationals from nine countries, will be granted amnesty under the 2025 clemency decision. This follows a previous amnesty in 2024 that saw the release of nearly 3,800 prisoners, bringing the total number of recent releases close to 14,000.
Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Pham Thanh Ha, emphasized that the amnesty reflects Vietnam’s commitment to a dual criminal justice approach: strict enforcement of the law paired with humanitarian leniency. “The purpose of criminal sanctions is not only to penalize offenders but also to rehabilitate them into law-abiding and useful citizens,” Ha stated.
The amnesty process was described as rigorous, transparent, and fair, with all candidates thoroughly evaluated to ensure they met legal conditions. Political activists and those convicted of terrorism or attempting to overthrow the government remain excluded from eligibility.
Among the foreign nationals released are individuals from Cambodia, China, Iceland, India, Laos, South Africa, and the United States. The Ministry of Public Security, along with provincial and municipal authorities, has been tasked with supporting reintegration efforts, including access to employment, business loans, and poverty reduction programs.