Vietnam to release prisoners of conscience - no one is a prisoner of conscience

TT

Published 13.16

 

Vietnam's President To Lam at a press conference in Bangkok on Thursday. Photo: Sakchai Lalit /AP/TT

The regime in Vietnam announces that nearly 10,000 prisoners will be released in connection with the election of a new party congress in the country.

The communist regime in Vietnam usually honors national elections in the authoritarian society by releasing convicted criminals.

The announcement on Saturday also applies to a number of foreign prisoners. However, no prisoners who have been convicted of "attempting to overthrow the regime" or "terrorism" will be released.

In early June, 9,950 prisoners will be released, following a decision by the ruling Communist Party's General Secretary, also president, To Lam.

Vietnam elected a new party congress and National Assembly in March.

The country released 22,000 prisoners last year, in conjunction with celebrating the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon in the Vietnam War, as well as the 80th anniversary of independence.