Vietnam’s Amnesty Program Releases Nearly 10,000 Prisoners

On June 1, Vietnam launched its 2026 amnesty program, granting presidential clemency to thousands of inmates nationwide. In a ceremony held at Thanh Xuan Prison, Politburo member and Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc was present as over 200 inmates celebrated their newfound freedom.

This amnesty initiative showcases Vietnam's ongoing commitment to a rehabilitative and humane approach to justice. Throughout the years, the country has implemented more than 40 such programs, allowing hundreds of thousands of inmates to rejoin their families. Since 2009, over 120,000 individuals have benefitted from such clemency in 12 separate amnesty rounds.

The introduction of the 2026 amnesty coincides with significant national milestones, including the conclusion of the 14th National Party Congress and the 16th National Assembly elections, as well as the 51st anniversary of national reunification. Earlier this year, President To Lam authorized this amnesty decision, setting in motion a collaboration among various ministries and agencies for a detailed review process.

Following the recommendations of the Clemency Advisory Council, the president approved the release of 9,950 prisoners. This includes 202 individuals from Thanh Xuan Prison as part of the current amnesty round. Officials confirmed that the selection was carried out transparently, adhering to legal standards to guarantee fairness for all prisoners eligible for release.

During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc offered his congratulations to the newly freed inmates and urged them to responsibly seize this second chance. He highlighted that their early release is just the beginning of a new life journey, encouraging them to work towards a stable future and positively contribute to society while steering clear of past mistakes.

Addressing those who did not receive amnesty this year, the Deputy Prime Minister motivated them to continue exhibiting good behavior and adhering to prison regulations to qualify for future releases. He acknowledged the hard work of prison staff and correctional officers, praising their role in supporting rehabilitation and educational initiatives as essential for effective reintegration.

Local governments, social organizations, and communities have been urged to support the released prisoners in their reintegration efforts. Authorities highlighted the need to eliminate any stigma they might face and to create opportunities for employment, education, and social inclusion. This community effort is believed to be crucial in ensuring successful rehabilitation and decreasing the chances of reoffending.