Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport
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A Kenyan woman, identified as Nduta, has been sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking.
This decision reflects the country's severe stance on narcotics offenses. Nduta was convicted after being apprehended at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City in July 2023 with over two kilograms of illegal substances concealed in her luggage. According to court records, Nduta claims she was recruited by a Kenyan man to transport the suitcase to Laos.
She was arrested upon her arrival in Vietnam on July 14, following a multi-country journey. Despite her plea of ignorance regarding the concealed drugs, the prosecution has successfully argued for the imposition of the maximum penalty. Vietnam's legal framework imposes stringent penalties for drug-related crimes, including capital punishment based on the quantity and type of substance involved.
Post-sentencing, Nduta's case will undergo review by both the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuracy, each having two months to consider any exceptional appeals. Furthermore, she has one week to petition the State President for clemency. The timeline for Nduta’s potential execution is currently indefinite, contingent upon the outcomes of the legal reviews and any clemency request.
Vietnam's uncompromising enforcement of drug laws has drawn both domestic support and international criticism, highlighting the country’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, while simultaneously raising human rights concerns.