Vietnam president commutes death sentences to life in prison for five inmates

The decision was inked on Feb. 6, following recommendations from the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, and the head of the President's Office, in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions.

By reducing the penalty for the individuals whose sentences have already taken legal effect, the president's act demonstrates the compassionate policy of the Party and State towards those who have committed grave crimes, according to the presidential office. It offers them a chance to live, repent, and rehabilitate for a chance to reintegrate into society.

The president in late December also commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment for 18 people.