Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh signed the decision conferring the designation on the Kon Tum Prison historical site in Kon Tum Ward, Quang Ngai Province.
The Kon Tum Prison historical site in Kon Tum Ward, Quang Ngai Province (Photo: Pham Hoang).
According to representatives of the local people’s committee, the prison was built by French colonial authorities in 1930, at a time when Vietnam’s revolutionary movement was expanding rapidly and facing harsh repression. It formed a key link in the Indochina prison system, detaining patriotic activists and political prisoners.
After its completion, the facility became a site where numerous revolutionary fighters were incarcerated. Despite enduring severe punishment and harsh conditions, prisoners are said to have maintained their resolve and organised resistance activities in secret. Many died there.
Today, the site stands on Truong Quang Trong Street in the centre of Kon Tum Ward. Once described as a “hell on earth”, it has since been transformed into a place for educating younger generations about Vietnam’s revolutionary traditions.
Duong Anh Hung, chairman of the Kon Tum Ward People’s Committee, said the recognition would create more favourable conditions for preserving and promoting the site’s historical value.
“The title not only affirms the historical significance and stature of Kon Tum Prison, but also enables the locality to attract investment resources for restoration and conservation, while promoting tourism linked to revolutionary heritage education,” he said.
Local authorities plan to work with relevant agencies to further publicise and effectively utilise the site’s value, contributing to socio-economic development while safeguarding historical heritage.
