About VND53.50 billion ($2.4m) from the state budget has been used to compensate for people who were given wrong sentences within the past 12 months.

Do Duc Hien, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice'

Do Duc Hien, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice announced that from October 1, 2015 to September 30, the government bodies responsible for compensation had received 105 cases. 44 cases had been dealt with and a total of VND26.35bn (USD1.18m) was paid out in compensation.

Meanwhile, people's courts at all levels also received 30 cases subjected to appeal over the state's initial compensation, with 16 cases involving VND27.30bn (USD1.22m) of compensation settled.

"Total compensation has reached VND53.50bn, an increase of VND11bn compared to last year," Hien said.

Luong Ngoc Phi, who was falsely accused of tax evasion and appropriation of state assets and imprisoned for three years, received the biggest payout of VND23bn (USD1m) from Thai Binh Province People's Court.

According to the Ministry of Justice, there were many shortcomings in the Law on State Compensation Liability that greatly affect the rights of the wrongfully-convicted people.

A new draft revision is being carried out and gathering opinions to replace the old ones to avoid situations where state agencies and officials avoid responsibilities and attempt to pass on the problems to others.

"The draft revision will add regulations about restoring the honour of the victims, including issuing proper public apologies," Hien said.

The draft also more clearly states the responsibilities of officials for repaying state compensation depending on the mistakes.

Dtinews