The revised draft Criminal Procedures Code was discussed at the ongoing 9^th session of the 13^th National Assembly (NA) in Ha Noi on Wednesday by NA deputies from Da Nang and other localities nationwide.

The Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Council (PC) and Head of the city's NA members' group, Mr Huynh Nghia, noted that detainees, accused and defendants should have the right to freedom of presenting their testimonies.  He also suggested that in the revised draft even stronger penalties should be imposed on offenders who willfully make false statements.  This would encourage offenders to make true declarations in order to be reduced their criminal responsibility, and to facilitate the investigation processes.

Vice Chairman Nghia speaking at the event (Photo: baomoi.com)

Another local NA member, Mr Than Duc Nam, said that detainees, accused and defendants should have the right to defend themselves or ask other persons to defend them.  In the case of defending themselves, they should have the right to read and copy documents in the case files.  He proposed that specific regulations should be stipulated in the revised draft to allow the accused to effectively implement their rights of defence, and ensure the safety of the case files.