Some 47 prisoners, including six women, in Champassak province have been granted pardons by President Choummaly Sayasone on the occasions of 35th National Day and Vientiane's 450th anniversary as national capital.
Of the 47 prisoners, eight received reduced sentences, including four women, while the other 39 have been released, according to a recent report from Champassak provincial authorities.
Most of the prisoners had committed drug trafficking-related crimes, mainly involving amphetamines. Despite betraying the nation, the prisoners were granted pardons due to their continued good behaviour during incarceration.
A pardon ceremony was held in the provincial capital of Pakxe on January 11, attended by Head of the provincial Police Headquarter Colonel Khambone Samaysimone and officials from other sectors.
Head of the provincial Prosecutor's Office Mr Sonesavan Sivilay said during the ceremony that the pardons reflect the consistent humanitarian policy of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, which recognises the contrition of prisoners who once contravened the country's laws but have since realised the error of their ways and behaved well in prison.
Mr Sonesavan emphasised that all prisoners, regardless of age, ethnicity or nationality, were treated with equality when the pardons were determined under Party and government policy.
The pardons were stipulated in Presidential Decree No. 267/president, dated December 10, 2010.
Throughout Laos, 707 prisoners have been granted presidential pardons on the occasion of National Day, of which 116 are women and 20 are foreign nationals.
Mr Khambone said there are currently hundreds of prisoners incarcerated in his province but authorities selected for pardoning only those who actively showed themselves to be good prisoners and role model for others.
“This year, the number of prisoners granted pardons by our president doubled compared to last year. This is due to the celebration of the 35th National Day and Vientiane's 450th anniversary, as well as the prisoners themselves, more of whom have behaved well,” he said.
Mr Khambone said drug use and trafficking is a serious issue in Champassak province, impacting not only on the health of young children but also their education and their futures.
“The situation in our province is that amphetamines are brought in from other areas and then drug users sell the drugs amongst each other,” he said.
“Our police undertake educational campaigns in both schools and villages to inform young people and their parents about the dangers of drugs. We also try to crack down on those who violate the laws relating to drug use and trafficking.”
By Times Reporters (Latest Update January 17, 2011)
