An Phu karaoke fire: The owner bowed and apologized, new developments were full of surprises

According to Nguoi Lao Dong, on the morning of October 25, the first-instance trial of the horrific fire at An Phu karaoke bar (held on September 6, 2022) continued into its second day with many unexpected and emotional developments.

The tragic fire that killed 32 people and seriously injured 3 others has attracted special public attention, as the defendants were the restaurant owner and police officers responsible for fire prevention and fighting.

Tien Phong reported that in this trial, 6 defendants were present, including 4 former police officers and two business owners.

Specifically, 5 defendants, including Le Anh Xuan (owner of An Phu karaoke bar), Vu Truong Son and Pham Quoc Hung (both former officers of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Department), Pham Thi Hong (former Deputy Head of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department), and Nguyen Thanh Luan (Director of Thai Binh Anh Company Limited) were tried for "violating regulations on fire prevention and fighting". Defendant Nguyen Van Vo, former officer of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Team of Thuan An City Police, faces the charge of "lack of responsibility causing serious consequences".

During the hearing, the victims’ family representatives requested compensation for funeral expenses as well as mental damage. Many were moved and could not hold back their tears as they talked about their deceased loved ones and the difficulties their families faced after the fire. Some relatives also requested child support for the victims’ young children until they turn 18.

What was special about this trial was that many relatives of the victims spoke up to ask for a lighter sentence for the defendant Le Anh Xuan, owner of the An Phu karaoke bar. They said that the incident was an accident that no one wanted and hoped that the Trial Council could be lenient. These sympathetic requests caused strong emotions in the trial.

During the afternoon trial, when he was given the final say in court, Mr. Le Anh Xuan (owner of An Phu karaoke bar) turned to the back of the courtroom to bow his head and apologize to the families of the 32 victims.

Defendant Xuan would like to share the pain with the victims' relatives, because of his lack of understanding of fire prevention regulations, which led to heartbreaking consequences for others. "First of all, the defendant would like to apologize to the 32 victims' families. After 2 years, the defendant can now say his small apology to the victims' families. The fire has left behind a huge impact and loss. The defendant sincerely apologizes to the 32 families and thanks the families for asking for a lighter sentence for the defendant. Please forgive me, thank you."

In addition, defendant Xuan also asked the panel of judges to consider reducing his sentence so that he has a chance to rebuild his life and take care of his elderly relatives. "I also ask the panel of judges to consider giving me the lightest sentence possible so that I can return to my family to take care of my elderly mother. Because since my father passed away, I have been the only spiritual support for my family. Because my family only has my elderly mother, women and children, and no one else."

The remaining defendants also hope that the panel of judges will consider reducing their sentences and apply leniency to pronounce sentences appropriate to their crimes.

Defendant Hong still maintains that he was wrongly convicted and hopes that the panel of judges will be fair and sentence the right person for the right crime and in accordance with the law. Defendant Hong still insists that he has nothing to do with the case and that all accusations against him are unsubstantiated and based solely on the defendants' statements.

"I hope the authorities will restore my innocence and work fairly based on the provisions of the law," defendant Pham Thi Hong presented to the panel of judges.

Previously, the representative of Binh Duong Provincial People's Procuracy proposed sentences for the defendants.

Specifically, defendant Le Anh Xuan (born in 1980, owner of An Phu karaoke bar), defendant Vu Truong Son (born in 1987) and defendant Pham Quoc Hung (born in 1980) were proposed to be sentenced to 5-6 years in prison; defendant Nguyen Thanh Luan (born in 1987) was proposed to be sentenced to 3-4 years in prison for the crime of "violating fire prevention and fighting regulations".

Defendant Nguyen Van Vo (born in 1985) was recommended to be sentenced to 3-4 years in prison for "lack of responsibility causing serious consequences". Defendant Hong was recommended to be sentenced to the highest level of 7-8 years in prison for "violating fire prevention and fighting regulations".

In the defense, the lawyers presented mitigating circumstances for the defendants such as support for the victim's family, personal achievements... However, the panel of judges will base on the evidence and testimony at the trial to make the final decision.

According to the People's Court, on October 30, the court will announce the first instance verdict.

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