Laos pardons over 1,800 prisoners in 2023

The Supreme People´s Prosecutor Office last year reduced the sentences of or freed 1,824 prisoners, including 238 women and 16 foreigners, on the grounds of good behaviour during their time in prison.

General Vilay Lakhamfong addresses a review meeting in Vientiane on Tuesday. –Photo Pathedlao newspaper

 A report on the pardons was presented at a meeting of the Supreme People´s Prosecutor Office on Tuesday.
 The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Vilay Lakhamfong, and President of the Supreme People´s Prosecutor Office, Mr Xaysana Khotphouthone.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Xaysana said the pardons were granted under a Presidential decree.
 The show of leniency reduced the sentences of 1,602 prisoners and freed 222 others, including 38 women and three foreigners.
 Nine people who had been given death sentences had their punishment reduced to life in prison.
General Vilay instructed Pardon Committees at various levels and the Secretariats of these committees to carefully consider the criteria for the reduction of prison sentences.
He also highlighted the need to study the content of resolutions, orders, state policies and legislation in relation to the Presidential decree and other legislation relating to amnesty.
Officials engaged in this line of work should ensure that the principle of centralised democracy agreed upon by the Board, under the direct supervision of the National Amnesty Commission, was upheld, he said.
This would ensure accuracy, transparency, fairness and timeliness, and ensure the good behaviour of prisoners, while the Secretariats of amnesty commissions at all levels must carry out their duties conscientiously, he added.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 19, 2024)