Vietnam to Release Nearly 14,000 Prisoners in Pre-National Day Amnesty

Vietnam announced on Friday that it will release nearly 14,000 prisoners, including foreign nationals, in advance of the country's national day celebrations. This marks a record number of detainees freed in a single year.

The communist nation frequently grants amnesties before significant events. In April, over 8,000 prisoners were released in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Starting September 1st, authorities will "grant amnesty to 13,915 prisoners serving prison sentences," according to Can Dinh Tai from the president's office, speaking at a news conference. The upcoming releases include 66 foreign citizens representing 18 different countries, such as China, South Korea, the United States, and Australia.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Van Tuyen stated that "the total number of prisoners released this year is the biggest ever." Vietnamese law excludes prisoners convicted of "attempting to overthrow" the government or "terrorism" from eligibility for release.

Since 2009, Vietnam has freed approximately 100,000 prisoners before their scheduled release dates. However, political activists have consistently been excluded from these amnesties. The Ministry of Public Security reported that over 190,000 prisoners are currently serving jail terms throughout Vietnam.

The Southeast Asian country will commemorate 80 years of independence from French colonial rule on September 2nd with a parade in the capital city of Hanoi.