Vietnam Reporter Freed

A well-known anti-corruption journalist and a British national are among more than 15,000 prisoners to be released before term in Vietnam.

n_chien.jpgAnnouncing his early release, Vice Minister of Public Security Le The Tiem
said the reporter had showed "regret and remorse".

"Mr Chien co-operated with the authorities so he was granted this special
amnesty," Mr Tiem said.

Nguyen Viet Chien’s sister, Nguyen Thi Viet Hang, said she was "overjoyed and
relieved" and hoped that he could come home as soon as possible.

The trial of Nguyen Viet Chien and another colleague, Nguyen Van Hai, last
May drew huge criticism from rights organisations and foreign governments alike.

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