Vietnam grants amnesty to nearly 18,300 prisoners ahead of national day

Vietnam decided to grant amnesty to 18,298 prisoners ahead of the country's National Day, according to a decision by Vietnamese president on Friday.

The release of detainees will start from next Monday ahead of the country's celebration of the 70th National Day which falls on Sept. 2.

Among the amnesty list, nearly 1,500 prisoners have committed drug-related crimes, and nearly 2,200 murder crimes, among others, said Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Quy Vuong at a press conference held Friday in capital Hanoi to announce the amnesty decision.

No crimes against national security were granted amnesty this time, Vuong added.

A total of 34 foreigners from seven countries are also granted amnesty this year, including six Laotians, one Cambodian, one Thai, two Australians, 16 Chinese, six Malaysians and two Filipinos.

Source: XINHUA