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Vietnam has announced a nationwide amnesty that will see nearly 10,000 prisoners, including foreigners, released following recent parliamentary elections.
The government said the decision will take effect at the beginning of June, when 9,950 inmates are expected to be freed as part of the annual pardon exercise.
According to a document signed by Party General Secretary and President To Lam, the release is tied to what officials described as the successful conclusion of the five-year Communist Party Congress cycle and elections to the National Assembly.
Deputy Minister of Public Security, Le Van Tuyen, said the amnesty was part of national tradition and would coincide with key political milestones.
He said the prisoners being released include 63 foreigners comprising 56 men and seven women of various nationalities, though he did not provide further details.
Vietnam regularly grants large-scale pardons ahead of major national celebrations or political events.
Last year, more than 22,000 prisoners were released to mark the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the 80th anniversary of independence.
Officials noted that individuals convicted of serious offences such as attempts to overthrow the state or terrorism are excluded from the amnesty.
Authorities also said Vietnam has previously freed more than 118,000 inmates ahead of their original release dates, while the total prison population stands at over 190,000.
