The joy of Tet reunion

(Baonghean.vn) -Holding the decision to release them from prison early after serving their sentences, 12 inmates at Nghi Kim Detention Center (Provincial Police) shed tears. After a period of diligent rehabilitation, they were finally reunited with their families this Tet holiday.

This morning, January 19, 2012 (26th day of the 12th lunar month), the Supervisory Board of the Nghe An Provincial Police Detention Center held a ceremony to announce the decision to reduce the prison sentences of inmates who had shown good conduct in rehabilitation. After four rounds of review, 32 inmates had their sentences reduced, including 12 who received their entire sentence reduced, 1 who received a 6-month reduction, 4 who received a 5-month reduction, 9 who received a 4-month reduction, and 6 who received a 3-month reduction.

Mr. Sam Van B (Quy Chau) couldn't hide his joy at being reunited with his family after serving a long sentence for theft: "Last Tet, my wife and children had to celebrate a Tet lacking both emotionally and materially. This year, returning home, I will try my best to make up for it so that everyone can have a warmer and more joyful Tet. Here, I have learned from the officers the value of hard work."

Nguyen Van D (from Dien Hong, Dien Chau) was so overjoyed he couldn't speak, just stood silently beside his fellow inmate who had 18 days left to serve his sentence. Just 18 days, but D would have to spend another Tet (Lunar New Year) in prison. Understanding his friend's feelings, D lingered, reluctant to leave... “I thought I would have to celebrate Tet in prison, but now I can go home to my parents. Over the past year, I've had time to think, reflect, and determine a more righteous way of life for myself. This is a life lesson for me to strive to live a better life after I get out of prison.”

As the only woman to receive a reduced sentence this time, TTL (from Quan Bau ward, Vinh city) was both laughing and crying with joy. This morning, upon hearing the news that she would be going home before Tet (Lunar New Year), L quickly asked an officer to call her family to come pick her up. Two of her four children work in the oil and gas industry in Vung Tau. Speaking about her children, L's eyes welled up with tears: "I have caused my children suffering because of an unnecessary mistake. Our family isn't poor at all... Last Tet, for the first time, being away from home and unable to personally take care of my children, I understood everything. Although the officers were thoughtful and organized a Tet celebration for everyone with sticky rice cakes, pickled onions, etc., it's nothing compared to being at home. Last Tet, I only cried because I missed home and regretted the mistake I had made (L's sentence was 1 year and 4 months for possessing illegal narcotics)."

A wistful feeling of freedom

Shedding his prisoner's uniform, Nguyen Van Th (from Hung Dung ward, Vinh city) happily ran to the gate, where his grandmother, father, and sister were waiting. Th hugged his grandmother, sobbing, "Grandma, I'm going home to celebrate Tet with you!" Among those released early this time, Th was the happiest and didn't hide his mistakes: "My family is complete, but because I lent money and people deliberately delayed repayment, I committed the crime of illegal detention... because I didn't know much about the law, but now things are different..." Th smiled happily and got into the car...

Dam Phuong