VIETNAM: COURT UPHOLDS DEATH SENTENCE FOR DUO THAT KILLED 5 POACHERS IN CENTRAL VIETNAM

The Supreme People’s Court upheld the death sentences handed down to two men for beating five rare wood seekers to death in a forest in central Vietnam last year.
The victims were being held hostage for ransom meant to cover gambling debts.
A Laotian national, Ho Van Nguyen, 25, will stand a separate trial in Laos for his alleged role in the brutal crime.
Ho Van Cong, 38, and Ho Van Thanh, 40, were convicted of four felony charges: murder, robbery, abduction, and the illegal use of military-grade weapon.
The duo were sentenced to death by a court in the north-central province of Quang Tri on May 30.
They were also ordered to pay VND880 million (US$41,200) in compensation to the victims’ families plus VND600,000 ($28), every month, to each of the victims' children until they reach 18 years old.
Cong and Thanh are both from Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province.