A total of 8,055 inmates currently serving prison sentences and one person under temporary suspension of sentence execution were granted amnesty in accordance with the law.

The decision is part of a broad array of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).

Although they could not witness the momentous events in person, like millions of Vietnamese, the inmates sat upright in front of their televisions, watching every sacred, emotional moment of the once-in-50-year celebration. For 8,056 of them, this year's anniversary held special meaning – it was the last one they would observe behind bars. From the 51st celebration onward, they will be free to commemorate it wherever and with whomever they choose.

Following the grand ceremony, the inmates enjoyed a day of freedom within the facilities, taking part in recreational, cultural, and sporting activities organized by the prison, reading books, and watching television as they embraced the joy of the nation's milestone.

Earlier, on the afternoon of April 29 in Hanoi, the Presidential Office, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme People’s Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies, held a press conference to announce the President’s amnesty decision for more than 8,000 inmates on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of National Reunification.

Speaking at the press conference, deputy chief of the Presidential Office Pham Thanh Ha said the 2025 amnesty once again reflects the clemency policy of the Party and the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, as well as the nation's humanitarian tradition towards those who have committed crimes, encouraging them to repent and reintegrate into society.

“In Vietnam, all violations of the law are handled in accordance with the legal system. All those granted amnesty this time had violated Vietnam’s criminal laws and had been tried and sentenced by People’s Courts at various levels under the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Now that they meet the legal requirements, they are eligible for consideration,” Ha said.

He emphasized that the amnesty process involves no discrimination or restrictions. Any eligible inmate, regardless of whether they are Vietnamese or foreign nationals, may be considered for the special amnesty under the law.

President’s 2025 amnesty decision announced

VOV.VN - The Presidential Office held a press conference on March 4 in Hanoi to announce the President’s the 2025 amnesty decision.