A new path for those who have gone astray.

On September 1st, Thu Duc Prison (Z30D), located in Lam Dong province and under the jurisdiction of the Department of Prison Management, Compulsory Education Facilities, and Juvenile Detention Centers - Ministry of Public Security, held a...

On September 1st, Thu Duc Prison (Z30D), located in Lam Dong province and under the jurisdiction of the Department of Prison Management, Compulsory Education Facilities, and Juvenile Detention Centers - Ministry of Public Security, announced the President's amnesty decision for 2025 for 552 inmates, including 28 foreign nationals.

Before being granted amnesty, the inmates here receive dedicated guidance and education from police officers, including instruction on right and wrong, vocational training, and information on legal regulations, so that upon rehabilitation, they can find stable employment and reintegrate into the community.

Many practical programs

According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Dat, Deputy Superintendent of Z30D Prison, since the beginning of the year, the prison has released 1,390 inmates back into society as per regulations; 276 inmates were released during the amnesty on April 30th alone. Besides policies and regulations, the prison always strives to improve the spiritual well-being of inmates so that they feel cared for and encouraged, giving them more motivation and faith in life.

The officials organized the competition to disseminate information and provide guidance to the inmates.

Every year, the prison organizes a "Kitchen God" competition to condemn the bad habits and vices of some inmates who refuse to reform and cause suffering to their relatives and families; and a skilled craftsmanship competition to help inmates improve their skills, so that after serving their sentences, they will have an easier time finding employment and reintegrating into the community.

In particular, the organization held a writing contest titled "Writing for Loved Ones" on Vietnamese Family Day, June 28th, to help inmates express their remorse for the mistakes they had made.

In addition, the prison also cooperates with various departments, organizations, and local authorities in the management, education, and rehabilitation of inmates; and collaborates with the Vietnam Youth Union of Lam Dong province to introduce job opportunities for inmates with permanent residence in the area. Furthermore, the prison staff council gives gifts and visits to young children living with their mothers in the prison.

The prisoners were granted amnesty.

Immediately upon receiving the President's amnesty decision and the Central Amnesty Advisory Council's guidance on the September 2nd amnesty, the prison management board developed a plan to implement relevant legal documents, reviewing and comparing specific conditions and standards for each inmate. This time, the amnesty policy was expanded to include cases with two charges.

Colonel Phan Hong Lam, Superintendent of Thu Duc Prison, said: "Although we know that the first few days after returning home will be full of difficulties and obstacles, reformed prisoners still have many opportunities ahead. 'In this life, there are no dead ends, only boundaries. The essential thing is to have the strength to overcome those boundaries.' Therefore, pardoned prisoners need to cherish and preserve the value of their freedom and be determined to rebuild their lives. In the future, these prisoners could be honest workers contributing to the country's development, such as busy construction workers in factories; diligent farmers tending their fields; merchants or housewives…"

Colonel Phan Hong Lam, Superintendent of Thu Duc Prison.

To better educate inmates, the prison always needs the cooperation and support from families, organizations, and individuals outside of society. More importantly, it requires remorse, repentance, and a clear understanding of the inmates' criminal behavior. After rehabilitation, family and society will provide material and spiritual support to help inmates, who are eligible for amnesty, return home smoothly, overcome all obstacles, and rebuild their lives.

Amnesty is an act of clemency and a humane policy of the Party and State towards offenders, reflecting a tradition of humanity and compassion to encourage those sentenced to imprisonment to repent, actively study, and become useful citizens for their families, communities, and society.

The inmates performed various artistic and cultural acts.

The "teacher" in the blue shirt

While awaiting her son's return home, Mrs. HTMX (a relative of a pardoned prisoner) said: "My son's pardon is not only the result of the State's humane and tolerant policies; but also the dedication, patience, and love of the 'teachers' in blue uniforms who have educated and reformed those with troubled pasts, helping them understand the value of freedom, appreciate and cherish the values ​​of life, and resolve to rebuild their lives."

Ms. HTMX shared that she is the main breadwinner in the family and has to work many jobs, leaving her with little time to care for her family. It was because of this that her son, in his youthful impulsiveness, caused public disorder, losing his precious freedom and the hopes of his parents. “Through my visits, I’ve seen my son change a lot, realize his mistakes, and want to turn his life around. I’m very happy. Through this, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the police officers who have taught my son to understand right from wrong and to become a decent person,” Ms. X said emotionally.

Kitchen God Contest held in the camp.

Upon receiving her pardon, Ms. D.NH. was overcome with tears: “I have a stable job, a family, and a young daughter. To prove I wasn't inferior to my friends, I borrowed money to invest in a business. Due to unfavorable business conditions, I borrowed more and more, leading to increasing debt and mistakes. Since being imprisoned, I have been tormented by guilt, blaming myself, and avoiding contact with many people…”

Ms. H. continued, saying that at the time, the prison officers advised her that when she put her heart into any work, she would find joy and feel less pressure. Thanks to this, during her time in the correctional facility, she worked diligently and learned how to sow seeds and garden.

Outside of working hours, she participates in cultural and artistic activities. “Throughout my time in the camp, thanks to the guidance, education, and useful information provided by the camp officers, I have become more mature and responsible, learning valuable life lessons and experiences. I didn't qualify for the last two amnesties. Fortunately, this amnesty has given me the opportunity to return to my loving family,” Ms. H. shared.

The joy of family members reuniting.

To facilitate stable employment for inmates after their release, the Z30D prison management organizes a combination of labor and vocational training for inmates in various fields such as garment manufacturing, handicraft weaving, construction, and animal husbandry.

Besides learning technical skills, the inmates are also trained in discipline, patience, and a sense of responsibility. "We always believe that every product we create, every achievement we attain during our time in prison, is a way of thanking the prison officers for their care, encouragement, and education," confided Ms. D.NH.

Many family members came to greet their relatives.

Today, those who once erred have returned to their families, reintegrating into the vibrant life of society; this is a testament to the humane and lenient policy of the Party and the State. The cloak of their mistakes has been replaced by the joy of those involved and their loved ones.

That joy spread to the officers at Z30D prison, as they felt the fruits of their labor in educating, reforming, and guiding those who had gone astray onto the right path.

THANH HAI

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/con-duong-moi-cho-nhung-nguoi-lam-lo-389693.html