On the morning of May 1, the Detention Center under the Điện Biên provincial Police Department held a ceremony to announce the 2025 presidential amnesty decision for 16 inmates. The atmosphere was filled with emotion, joy, and nervous anticipation. For the inmates, being granted amnesty means reuniting with their families, reintegrating into society, and leaving behind a troubled past to start a new, better life.

Due to a lack of legal knowledge and long-standing customs of slash-and-burn farming, M.T.H (born in 1965, residing in Huổi Sâu hamlet, Nà Khoa commune, Nậm Pồ district) was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months in prison for forest destruction. In her early days behind bars, she was overwhelmed by despair and confusion, showing little will to rehabilitate. But thanks to the dedication and encouragement of the prison officers, she gradually regained her confidence, worked hard, and committed herself to reform in the hope of earning clemency and returning home. Due to her positive attitude and strict compliance with prison regulations, she was granted amnesty 9 months and 12 days ahead of schedule.

Holding the clemency certificate, M.T.H shared emotionally: “I am truly grateful to the prison officers who helped me get through my darkest times and rediscover hope. I did my best to follow the rules, work diligently, and never stopped hoping for the day I could go home. When I learned I was granted amnesty, I was overwhelmed with happiness. After returning home, I will work hard and encourage my family and neighbors to obey the law - especially to stop clearing forests for farming like before”.

In 2024, in a reckless act of youth, V.T.Đ (born in 2000, from Mường Ảng town, Mường Ảng district) committed robbery and was sentenced to 12 months in prison. During his time at the provincial police detention Center, he received thoughtful guidance from officers, helping him fully understand the seriousness of his crime and its impact on society. The officers continuously supported him, encouraged him to follow rules, and motivated him to reform in hopes of receiving leniency. Thanks to his sincere efforts, V.T.Đ was granted amnesty after serving 5 months and 26 days. He was also chosen to speak on behalf of all 16 inmates during the amnesty ceremony.

Standing at the podium, V.T.Đ said: “I sincerely thank the officers at the detention center who always cared for and supported me during my sentence. Every day in prison, I longed to return to my family and start anew. Today, holding this amnesty certificate, I am filled with joy. After rejoining society, I promise to live an honest life, work hard, and build a future with my own hands- never to fall into crime again”.

The 16 inmates granted amnesty this time are outstanding cases - individuals who abided by the law, followed all prison rules, worked diligently, and expressed genuine remorse. All cases were reviewed and approved strictly according to legal procedures, ensuring transparency, fairness, and objectivity. Each received an official clemency certificate and an ID card upon release.

Congratulating the inmates, Colonel Nguyễn Lai Bình, Director of the Detention Center, shared a meaningful message: “Being granted amnesty and released early is only the beginning of a new journey. Once back with their families and communities, each person must continue striving to overcome psychological barriers, rebuild their lives, and prove their worth. The most important thing on this journey is to live lawfully, correct past mistakes, and work toward becoming a contributing member of society”.

For those who were not granted clemency in this round, prison staff promptly offered support and encouragement to help them stay focused on reform, with the hope of benefiting from future amnesties. The Detention Center places great emphasis on education and rehabilitation- combining discipline with compassion. In coordination with provincial police departments and relevant agencies, they regularly provide inmates with life skills training, legal knowledge, and health education, including the prevention of infectious diseases. These efforts help inmates feel more confident and prepared to reintegrate into society after release.

As the gates of the prison close behind them, the doors of freedom open wide ahead. In the warm embrace of family and the forgiving spirit of society, these returning citizens begin anew. They carry with them hopes, dreams, and a promise to themselves- to become better, more responsible people. For them, the past is no longer a burden, but a lesson that will guide their future.