Death row letters to be released

The lawyer who helped to bring Van Nguyen's body back to Melbourne says people will learn more about the man through the letters he wrote on death row.

Nguyen was executed in Singapore on Friday for trying to smuggle heroin out of Cambodia to Australia in 2002.

Lawyer Lex Lasry accompanied Nguyen's mother Kim and twin brother Khoa on the flight from Singapore.

Mr Lasry says some of the letters the 25-year-old wrote before his execution will be revealed to the public soon.

"They'll get the story of a young man who saw the need to change his life under the most extreme circumstance," he said.

"And who displayed great grace and pressure under the most adverse ... you can't imagine a more adverse circumstance.

"I hope that helps other people who watched this case and watched it develop."

Mr Lasry says finality has brought relief to Mrs Nguyen, who has arranged a funeral for her son on Wednesday.

He says he hopes Nguyen is not forgotten by Australians.

"I think Van may become a sort of a signpost for ... to demonstrate the way young people who get into the sort of situation he was in, can transform themselves.

"I mean, I've said a number of times his transformation over the last two years was unbelievable.

"It was inspiring, it was complete and was quite magnificent."

He says Mrs Nguyen is relieved to be home.

"She is going to move forward from here, she takes great inspiration and strength from her son and so does Van's brother," Mr Lasry said.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Sun, 4 December 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Copyright: 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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