Today (November 15), the trial of Truong My Lan and 47 co-defendants continued with the debate phase.  

When the prosecution reaffirmed its recommendation for the death penalty, Lan appeared overwhelmed, showing signs of dizziness and instability. She requested permission to address the court.  

"If I am not allowed to speak, I may faint on the spot," Lan said in a trembling voice.  

With approval from the court, Lan expressed her gratitude to the prosecution for reducing some charges but implored both the court and the prosecution to reconsider the charges of “embezzlement” and “bribery.”  

“Today, as the prosecution still upholds such a severe sentence, I am mentally distraught. I respectfully ask the court and the prosecution to carefully review these charges. My only wish is to be allowed to repay my debts to the State Bank of Vietnam.  

I am a person who takes responsibility for my actions. For the past 10 years, I have dedicated myself greatly to SCB Bank. I have nothing more to say except to ask the court and the prosecution to scrutinize the data and allow for verification with SCB Bank,” Lan pleaded, reiterating that she had not appropriated funds from the bank.  

Defending Truong My Lan, lawyer Phan Trung Hoai argued that even before the appellate trial and while the verdict was not yet legally binding, Lan had petitioned the Civil Enforcement Bureau to execute the judgment under the rulings of both phases of the first-instance trial.  

According to lawyer Hoai, during the appellate trial, Lan displayed a shift in her perception regarding the appeal. She no longer protested her convictions but instead requested a thorough review of the causes, circumstances, and specific issues that required full, objective assessment. Lan especially called for an accurate evaluation of financial data linked to allegations of embezzlement or damages caused.  

Additionally, new details concerning the financial flows to mitigate damages in the case have emerged, along with proposed mechanisms to address them. These initiatives aim to revitalize and develop projects and assets to generate funds for fully rectifying the consequences of the case, in line with Lan’s voluntary commitments.  

Lawyer Hoai also asked the court to consider Lan’s personal background and family legacy, as well as the contextual factors that contributed to the case. He emphasized the need to examine the core aspects of SCB Bank's restructuring plan, including the State Bank of Vietnam’s approval of SCB’s 2012 proposal to issue new loans to restructure old debts.  

The lawyer appealed for a more compassionate and humane approach, urging the court to take into account the Party’s and State’s policies on leniency and clemency when reevaluating the death penalty previously handed down for “embezzlement.”  

Thanh Phuong