Ho Chi Minh City, Sept. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- The Appeal Court in Ho Chi Minh People's Supreme Court Monday opened a hearing on the case of Nam Cam, the ringleader of an underworld gang in Vietnam, and his accomplices.

　　Out of 69 defendants having lodged appeals so far, 64 were present at the hearing, which is scheduled to conclude on Nov. 15.

　　As many as 46 lawyers were appointed as defense attorneys at the hearing, which was attended by 143 people including defendants,victims and witnesses.

　　Three senior government officials involved in the case were also present at the court. The officials are Tran Mai Hanh, formerdirector of the Voice of Vietnam radio station; Pham Sy Chien, former deputy head of the People's Supreme Procuracy; and Bui QuocHuy, former deputy minister of public security.

　　In the court of first instance, Truong Van Cam, notoriously known as "Nam Cam", was sentenced to death for murder, assault, gambling and illegal emigration organization, criminals support, bribery and usury.

　　Huy, sentenced to four-year imprisonment, was found guilty of neglecting his duty, resulting in serious consequences. Chien and Hanh, receiving six-year and 10-year imprisonment sentence respectively, were both convicted of receiving bribes from Nam Cam.

　　The Nam Cam case is considered as the most serious criminal case in Vietnam because the gang's crimes have created great anxiety among local people, especially those in Ho Chi Minh City, and the case has involved 20 senior government officials. Enditem