The extraordinary wedding of a prisoner of the century.

(Baonghean.vn) - Sentenced to death but after several sentence reductions and pardons, Dang Van The, the "prisoner of the century," returned to the loving embrace of his family. And then, happiness smiled upon him amidst the blessings of everyone.

A special wedding

These past few days, the small house of Mr. Dang Van Suu and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thao in Hamlet 7, My Son Commune, Do Luong District, has been filled with laughter and conversation. Mr. Suu, leaning on his cane, walks back and forth, shaking hands with people and responding to others, a smile always on his face. Mr. Suu is nearly 90 years old, but today is perhaps the happiest day of his life, as his son, whom he thought would never return, has finally gotten married.

The wedding of Mr. Dang Van The and his young wife. Photo: Nhu Binh

Mr. Sửu's son, Đặng Văn Thế, was sentenced to death for illegally transporting narcotics. After nearly 20 years in solitary confinement, in June 2016, Thế was granted a presidential pardon and returned to his family. This was something he never dreamed of. Even more happily, he found a loving and hardworking woman who braved the social stigma to be with him.

The woman in question is Dao Thi Hiep (born in 1984, from the neighboring hamlet). Although they live in the same village, as Hiep grew up, The was moved from one prison cell to another. The past of The is probably known to everyone in My Son (Do Luong). Hiep is no exception, but she has put the past aside and decided to stay with him. "I think the future is what matters," Hiep confided on her wedding day.

Upon hearing the news of Thế's wedding, a large number of people, neighbors, and relatives came to attend. Among them were many prison guards – those who had been close to him and encouraged him during his time in prison. Lieutenant Colonel Lê Văn Tài, a former prison guard at the Provincial Police Detention Center, who had given Thế the cat Mương as a companion during his early days in solitary confinement, was also present. Thế still calls Guard Tài "teacher," referring to himself as "son," and always holds him and the other guards who encouraged him throughout those years facing death in gratitude and respect.

“In over 35 years as a prison guard, Dang Van The is a very special inmate to me. I am truly delighted that he has achieved what he has today. Everyone makes mistakes; what matters is learning from those mistakes and living a better life,” the guard said with a gentle smile.

Major Nguyen Van Quynh – an officer at Prison No. 6 (Ministry of Public Security) – was also present, receiving guests on behalf of the inmate. “From the day The was transferred to Prison No. 6 to serve his life sentence, I recognized him as a special prisoner. The was obedient, hardworking, and tirelessly strived until he was granted amnesty. He was a man of strong character and a loyal and compassionate person,” Major Quynh confided.

Many friends, relatives, and former prison guards came to celebrate with Mr. The and his wife. Photo: Nhu Binh

Touched by everyone's affection, Dang Van The said that he always felt indebted to many people and promised to live a good life so as not to disappoint the trust and love they have given him. Regarding his wife, he didn't dare promise her a life of wealth and luxury, but he assured her that he would provide her with a peaceful life.

Prisoner of the Century

In the history of Vietnamese legal proceedings, Dang Van The is one of the rare "death row inmates" because he was "forgotten" in prison for 11 years despite being sentenced to death.

Dang Van The (born in 1975) is the youngest of six siblings in My Son commune, Do Luong district. His parents are farmers, making a living year-round by working in the fields. Dang Van The dropped out of school after the 4th grade and worked as a bus assistant on the Vinh – Muong Xen route. In August 1997, following the advice of his friend Nguyen Tat Dung, The transported 20kg of opium from Tuong Duong district to Vinh City. He was caught red-handed in Do Luong district.

On June 23, 1998, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court held a trial and sentenced The and Dung to death for the crime of "illegally transporting narcotics." Nguyen Tat Dung was executed shortly afterward, while The, due to his cooperation and sincere confession, was granted a postponement of execution by the Nghe An Provincial Police Investigation Department to allow for further investigation.

Unexpectedly, that postponement brought The back from the brink of death to a life of freedom. He was a death row inmate who had served under three different wardens and ten prison guards. Throughout his time in solitary confinement, Dang Van The's only pleasures were writing in his diary, composing poetry, and caring for stray cats.

These are the mementos that Mr. Thế brought back from his time in prison. Photo: Hà Thư.

As if by a miracle, in June 2009, Dang Van The was granted a presidential pardon, commuting his death sentence to life imprisonment. He was released from prison and transferred to Prison No. 6 to serve his life sentence.

Having served nearly seven years at Prison No. 6, Dang Van The was a prisoner who received special attention from the prison management and correctional officers. Not only did he show good character and rehabilitation, but he also consistently participated in extracurricular activities, especially competitions for prisoners, taking a leading role. Therefore, it's no surprise that his name appeared on the list for sentence reductions every year.

Thanks to his tireless efforts in labor and rehabilitation, The's sentence was reduced to a fixed term, then he was granted amnesty and released in June 2016, ending 19 years of imprisonment, including 11 years in solitary confinement. The returned to his family, to the loving embrace of his elderly parents and the community.

Happiness came late for Dang Van The, but he knew it wasn't a coincidence, but the result of his efforts to correct his past mistakes. And he had enough faith and motivation to build a happy life with his young wife.

Nhu Binh - Nguyen Hung