Vietnam announced on Friday that it will release nearly 14,000 prisoners, including dozens of foreign nationals, in what officials described as the country’s largest amnesty in a single year.
The mass release, scheduled to begin on Monday, comes just days before the Southeast Asian nation marks the 80th anniversary of independence from French colonial rule with a parade in Hanoi.
According to Can Dinh Tai of the president’s office, a total of 13,915 prisoners serving jail terms will be granted amnesty. The list includes 66 foreigners from 18 different countries, among them citizens of China, South Korea, the United States, and Australia.
Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Van Tuyen said the decision makes 2025 a historic year for Vietnam’s clemency policy.
“The total number of prisoners released this year is the biggest ever,” he told reporters in Hanoi.
Vietnam regularly grants pardons to inmates during national holidays and anniversaries. In April, more than 8,000 prisoners were freed to mark the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.
Authorities stressed that those convicted of serious political crimes such as “attempting to overthrow” the government or engaging in acts of “terrorism” remain excluded from amnesty programs.
Since 2009, Vietnam has released around 100,000 prisoners ahead of schedule under similar initiatives, though political activists have never been among the beneficiaries.
The Ministry of Public Security estimates that more than 190,000 prisoners are currently serving jail terms across the country.
This year’s unprecedented release underscores Vietnam’s tradition of tying prisoner amnesties to key national milestones, while reflecting the government’s efforts to showcase unity and goodwill ahead of its landmark independence celebrations.
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