Vietnam (AFP) – Vietnam announced today (31) it will release nearly 2,500 inmates ahead of the country’s independence anniversary. That falls on Friday (Sept. 2), but the number of inmates who have been pardoned is less than in previous years and does not include activists.
In the announcement of the amnesty, the authorities stated that Those convicted of anti-state propaganda or attempting to overthrow the communist regime The charges often used to prosecute activists will not be released
An official from the presidential palace said the mass amnesty It is one of the fewest inmates pardons compared to in recent years as pardon regulations are tightened.
In 2015, more than 18,000 inmates were released. 3,000 inmates were released, but in general Vietnamese authorities will not release activists.
However, in this pardon 16 foreign nationals from Australia, France, Nigeria, Laos, China, Canada, Cambodia, the United States and Malaysia were among the inmates who will be released on Thursday, the Department of Public Security said. There are about 750 foreigners jailed in Vietnam.
Human Rights Watch said that until March By 2022, more than 150 political prisoners will be held in Vietnam, with Vietnam known for its harsh punishments against government critics and dissenters.
in recent years Hanoi’s administration has tried to quash dissent and arrest critics. especially those who post on social media.
Vietnam does not allow independent media in the country. and the 2022 Press Freedom Index of Journalists Without Borders. Vietnam ranked 174th out of 180 countries.