Vietnam authorities search for three escaped inmates from A2 Prison

Authorities in Khanh Hoa province are searching for three inmates who escaped from the A2 Prison. The incident has drawn significant public attention, prompting legal experts to clarify the consequences for those who might assist the fugitives.

Lawyer Ta Quang Tong noted that while immediate family members—such as parents, children, or siblings—are generally exempt from criminal liability for failing to report a crime under Article 19 of the Penal Code, they can still be prosecuted for “concealing a crime” under Article 389 if they actively help the inmates evade authorities. This charge carries penalties ranging from six months to seven years in prison.

Other individuals who are aware of the inmates' whereabouts but fail to report them may be charged with “failure to denounce a crime” under Article 390. Legal experts advise that if relatives encounter the escaped inmates, they should provide basic necessities briefly before encouraging them to surrender to the authorities to avoid legal complications.