Vietnam plans amnesty for over 18,500 inmates

More than 18,500 Vietnamese prisoners were to be granted clemency for National Day on September 2, but no political prisoners will be released, dpa cited authorities as saying Friday.

Under the two directives of President Truong Tan Sang, 18,539 inmates will be granted amnesty, Giang Son, deputy chairman of the President's Office, said at a press conference.

Among them, 34 foreigners to be released included 16 from China, six from Malaysia, six from Laos and two from Australia, deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc said.

The amnesty showed the 'mercy of the party and the country and the humanitarian tradition of the Vietnamese nation,' Son said.

National Day marks the anniversary of Vietnam's declaration of independence from France in 1945.

Inmates will be released from prisons starting Monday.

Source: SPA