VIETNAM: MAN GETS DEATH SENTENCE FOR KILLING TWO

a court in southern Vietnam handed down the death sentence to 23-year-old Ho Duy Hai for robbing and murdering two female post office staff. Hai, from Long An Province’s Thu Thua District, was also ordered to pay VND60 million (US$3,546) to the victims’ families. On January 13, 2008, Hai allegedly killed Nguyen Thi Thu Van, 21, and Nguyen Thi Anh Hong, 23, at the Cau Voi Post Office in Thu Thua District where they worked. Police said Hai, who was an acquaintance of the victims, had asked Van to go out and buy fruit so he could have sex with Hong. But when Hong refused, Hai attacked her with a chopping-board and slit her throat. When Van returned, Hai attacked and slit her throat as well. Investigators said Hai also stole VND1.4 million ($83), around 50 SIM cards, one mobile phone and jewellery from the victims. On March 21, Long An provincial police arrested Hai.