Hanoi: Vietnam is preparing to release nearly 10,000 prisoners in early June under a large-scale national amnesty. Representatives from Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security officially announced this amnesty measure to celebrate the success of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s National Congress and the National Assembly elections held in March. A total of 9,950 prisoners received amnesty approval from Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam. Among them are 63 foreign nationals of various nationalities, and 644 prisoners convicted of offenses related to violations of economic regulations.
According to Thai News Agency, Vietnamese law clearly states that prisoners convicted of attempting to overthrow the government or of terrorism are completely ineligible for a pardon in this instance. Vietnam frequently grants amnesty to prisoners on historical holidays or significant political events. In 2025, Vietnam released a record 22,000 prisoners to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (the fall of Saigon) and the 80th anniversary of its independence. Since 2009, Vietnam has granted a total of 12 amnesties, resulting in the early release of approximately 118,000 prisoners.
A report from the Ministry of Public Security indicates that Vietnam currently has more than 190,000 inmates serving sentences in prisons nationwide.