The Central Advisory Council for Special Amnesty organised a workshop in Hanoi on September 13 to implement the State President’s decision on special amnesty in 2007.

Under the decision signed on September 2, beneficiaries will be those who are serving sentences in detention camps under the management of the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defence, and those whose sentences are either suspended or temporarily suspended. Those subject to the decision must apply for the amnesty in writing and vow not to commit offences again after being released.

Prisoners who have performed well during their prison terms and committed not to act against national interest or cause social disorder after being released will be considered.

Prisoners eligible for amnesty are those who have served half of their sentences, or 14 years for prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment but having their sentences reduced to 20 years.

Others to be released include those who serviced the nation during the two resistance wars, pregnant women and mothers with children under 36 months serving the sentences with them, and the very old, weak or disabled who are unlikely to commit any acts detrimental to society.

Lists of eligible prisoners will be announced from October 10-15.

Source: VOV