Quiet prayers behind prison walls

Behind closed gates, where freedom is limited, fundamental human rights are still upheld. Following a field visit to Vinh Quang Prison in Phu Tho Province, the series “Human rights in prisons: seen through the simplest things” captures everyday slices of life, reflecting how human rights are implemented in a unique environment.

At Subcamp No. 3 of Vinh Quang Prison, stepping into a cell housing foreign inmates reveals a striking diversity of faiths.

In a single room with 50 foreign inmates, more than 10 different religions coexist. In one corner, a bookshelf neatly holds a range of religious texts.

Under Article 27 of the Law on Execution of Criminal Judgments, inmates have the right to use religious scriptures and express their beliefs in accordance with the law.

Chimechidike Ben, a Nigerian inmate, shared that faith has been his greatest source of strength during his 17 years of incarceration.

“I follow Jesus Christ. In prison, I have been supported in remaining a devoted believer,” he said.

For Ben, the long years of serving his sentence have become more bearable thanks to the understanding and support of prison officers. Each day, he reads the Bible and discusses its teachings with fellow inmates.

“We often remind each other to follow the rules and obey the law so that we can return to our families sooner,” he said with a gentle smile.

The sight of inmates quietly reading scriptures or praying during rest hours is not unusual at Vinh Quang Prison. These are moments of stillness when individuals confront themselves.

There are no grand rituals or dedicated spaces as outside, yet basic religious needs are respected.

Faith has become a source of emotional balance, helping inmates regulate their behavior and adopt a more positive mindset during their rehabilitation journey.

Respecting belief within the framework of the law

The coexistence of multiple religions within a confined space requires a careful balance between ensuring freedom of belief and maintaining discipline and security.

Observations at Vinh Quang Prison show that respecting inmates’ religious freedom is a humane policy that has been effectively implemented.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Son, Deputy Warden of the prison, emphasized that Vietnamese law clearly stipulates non-discrimination based on nationality or religion in the treatment of inmates. In practice, the facility consistently upholds this principle, creating conditions for inmates to exercise their religious rights within the legal framework.

“Outside of required labor hours, inmates can engage in basic religious practices during their breaks in the afternoon and evening. Officers monitor and guide these activities to ensure they comply with regulations,” he said.

In addition to bookshelves in the cells, the prison library also provides a variety of approved religious texts that inmates can borrow. All materials are carefully reviewed before being added.

Ensuring religious freedom is also a way to nurture inmates’ spiritual lives, helping them maintain a foundation for positive transformation.

For inmates who observe vegetarian diets for religious reasons, prison staff flexibly adjust meal portions, replacing meat with alternatives such as tofu, roasted peanuts, or vegetables, in accordance with regulations, ensuring both physical health and peace of mind.

When the deepest spiritual needs are respected, inmates are better able to move toward positive values, even while still behind bars. Their journey toward rehabilitation thus becomes more sustainable.