Huynh Van Nen who was wrongly imprisoned for nearly 18 years have said that he was starting procedures to receive compensation of around VND18 billion (USD818,100).

Huynh Van Nen (right)

On April 10, one of Nen's nephew said their family had consulted with their lawyer and agreed on a VND18bn pay-out. The request for compensation has been lodged with Binh Thuan Province People's Court on April 11.

When being asked about compensation for Nen, Binh Thuan’s provincial authorities said they would submit Nen's request and there would be negotiations.

Huynh Van Nen, 53, was wrongfully arrested on May 17, 1998 for the killing Le Thi Bong. During the investigation, Nen was also wrongfully charged with the murder of Duong Thi My which took place in March 1993. He was then incorrectly sentenced to a life sentence by the provincial people's court for killing Bong and six years of imprisonment for killing My.

Nine of his relatives were also imprisoned for the murder of My. In 2000, they were released as it was proved that Nen was not My's killer, however, he was still believed to be Bong's murderer.

In 2014, the Supreme People's Procuracy were informed that Nguyen Tho could be the real killer. Many lawyers offered to help Nen finally be released. Nen was finally released on October 22, 2014, following a decision by the local People's Procuracy.

The Binh Thuan Province's Police Department, the People's Court and the local People's Procuracy have all publically apologised to Huynh Van Nen for his 18 years of wrongful imprisonment on December 3, 2015.