Viet Nam abolishes unconstitutional decree on detention

The Vietnamese government has officially abolished one particular aspect of Decree 31, a national security law passed in 1997, according to Thanh Nien. The clause in question allowed provincial governors to impose probation on individuals who undermine national security in a manner not severe enough to warrant prosecution. The possibility of banning this practice was initially suggested last year by the government, and it was officially signed off on by President Nguyen Minh Triet last week.

The measure was deemed to be no longer necessary, and was said to be in conflict with constitutional rights and international norms.

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