An accident has left Huynh Van Nen, who was imprisoned for 17 years because of a wrongful conviction, in a coma after he was released.

Huynh Van Nen, 53, was arrested on May 17, 1998 for the alleged killing Le Thi Bong. During the investigation, Nen was also charged with the murder of Duong Thi My which took place in March 1993. He was given a life sentence by the provincial people's court for killing Bong and six years 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 and Nen was released on October 22.

But the rejoicing was short-lived as Nen’s misfortune continued. On March 22, Nen suddenly fell off his bike and was brought to Ham Tan Hospital then transferred to HCM City's Cho Ray Hospital in a deep coma. His condition only improved after three days of intensive treatment.

The Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien immediately contacted Nguyen Truong Son, director of Cho Ray Hospital, to ask about Nen's condition. She also asked the hospital to give both medical and financial support for him. As Nen does not have health insurance, Tien requested he should treated as though he had coverage.

She continued to ask Binh Thuan’s authorities to provide support to Nen since he is a special case that needs help from both community and authorities. It is reported that Tien even stayed up that night to follow Nen's condition.

Nen's life has been surrounded by the media and hospital. In the past years, news channels and newspapers have covered his life and contributed in the struggle to clear his name from the false charge.

Nen's former teacher Nguyen Than should also be praised as he spent 15 years trying to clear the false charges. Deep gratitude should also be extended to the nurses and doctors and Nguyen Thi Kim Tien for fighting for Nen's life.