Celebrities among defendants in major Vietnam drug trial make final pleas for leniency

A Vietnamese court heard final statements from 223 defendants in a significant drug trafficking case, known as VN10, after a 10-day trial. The case centers on allegations that four female flight attendants smuggled drugs from France into Vietnam. The court is set to deliver its verdict on September 3.

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I am very remorseful and regretful.

Among the defendants, Hoàng Sỹ Thắng, identified as the primary figure, offered an apology to his family and expressed remorse for his actions. Many other defendants acknowledged their wrongdoing and its societal harm, pleading for lighter sentences to allow them a chance to reintegrate into society as productive citizens. One male defendant lamented his pursuit of quick money, which led him into legal trouble and expressed a desire for a second chance.

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In the three years since my arrest, I have regretted it. I fell into the vortex of money just wanting to make money quickly, and fell into legal trouble like this now. Please give me a chance to start my life over.

The trial has garnered significant public attention due to the involvement of three public figures: singer Nguyễn Trung Hiếu (Chi Dân), model Andrea Aybar Carmona (An Tây), and "charity fairy" Nguyễn Đỗ Trúc Phương. Carmona, an international model, apologized to her family and supporters, acknowledging her actions were particularly reprehensible given her public role. She expressed hope that her story would serve as a warning against drug involvement.

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As a daughter, a sister, and a citizen, my actions are extremely reprehensible. In my role as a public figure, responsible for spreading positive values to the community and setting an example for young people, my actions are even more reprehensible.

Trúc Phương tearfully apologized to her parents, donors, and loved ones, attributing her actions to "playfulness and ignorance." She conveyed deep regret and pleaded for the chance to return home to care for her young child and rebuild her life. Singer Chi Dân also apologized to his family, fans, and colleagues, attributing his involvement to a "lack of awareness" and a "moment of recklessness." He asked for forgiveness and the opportunity to make amends.

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Please allow me to return home soon to take care of my young child, start my life over, and continue my charitable journey.