In her final words, the 'boss' of Xuyen Viet Oil asked to accept the prison sentence on behalf of her cousin.

On the afternoon of November 26, the first instance trial of defendant Mai Thi Hong Hanh, Director of Xuyen Viet Oil Trading and Transport Company Limited (Xuyen Viet Oil Company) and 14 other defendants ended the cross-examination by the representative of the People's Procuracy. Before the panel of judges entered the deliberation, the defendants were given the last word.

As the first person to have the last word, defendant Mai Thi Hong Hanh admitted all wrongdoings according to the conclusion of the investigation agency and the indictment. The defendant expressed gratitude for the leniency of the law, and said that in the past, she had deeply repented and regretted her mistakes.

The defendant pledged to use all of his personal and company assets to remedy the consequences of the case. Defendant Hanh asked the panel of judges to transfer the 7-year prison sentence that the prosecutor had proposed for defendant Nguyen Thi Nhu Phuong (former Deputy Director of Xuyen Viet Oil Company) to him.

Defendant Mai Thi Hong Hanh at the trial. (Photo: Hoang Tho)

" Ms. Phuong is like my younger sister. In her activities, Phuong only followed instructions and had no knowledge of accounting. The Ministry of Finance has issued two official documents on penalties related to the delay in paying the stabilization fund. Phuong only signed to confirm the company's debt, and I did everything else. I accept full responsibility," defendant Hanh stated, claiming that the other defendants were just salaried employees who did not fully understand the nature of the matter and hoped the panel of judges would consider leniency.

Meanwhile, defendant Nguyen Thi Nhu Phuong (cousin of Mai Thi Hong Hanh) admitted all the wrongdoings as stated in the indictment and apologized to the panel of judges. Phuong burst into tears when talking about her remorse and regret in the past few days. The defendant shared that her family had faced many difficulties, her father was sick, and she herself was just a salaried worker and did not want this incident to happen.

Phuong earnestly hopes that the People's Court will consider mitigating circumstances and apply leniency so that he can soon have a chance to rebuild his life.

Former Ben Tre Secretary Le Duc Tho asks for leniency

Defendant Le Duc Tho expressed remorse and regret for his violations. He was deeply aware of the mistakes he had made and affirmed that during the investigation, prosecution and trial, he always actively cooperated and honestly confessed.

The defendant said that the family had returned all the money and items that defendant Mai Thi Hong Hanh had given to remedy the consequences of the case.

The defendant expressed his wish to enjoy leniency and deeply apologized to the Party, the State, the banking sector, Vietinbank and the people of Ben Tre. At the same time, the defendant also apologized to his family, wife and children, and both paternal and maternal sides, who have always stood by him, supported him and created favorable conditions for him during his work.

The defendant shared that this incident made him extremely regretful and remorseful for hurting his loved ones.

During his time working, the defendant said he was always aware of his role as a Party member and tried to fulfill the tasks assigned by the Party and the State. As a leader, he made efforts to innovate, create, and build a favorable environment to promote the development of the organization and the locality. While working in Ben Tre province, the defendant set a goal of attracting investors to develop the local economy.

However, the defendant admitted that his act of receiving gifts from the business led to serious consequences, causing him to pay a very high price today.

The defendant hopes that the panel of judges will consider the mitigating circumstances and defense arguments presented by the lawyer to examine the nature of the case.

"With family tradition and a desire to contribute, the defendant earnestly asks the People's Court to apply a lenient and humane policy so that I can soon return to society and my family, and continue to do useful things for the community," defendant Tho stated.

Hoang Tho

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/noi-loi-sau-cung-ba-trum-xuyen-viet-oil-xin-nhan-an-tu-thay-em-ho-ar909789.html