Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for State Crimes, Bribery, Drug Offenses
Vietnam has officially abolished the death penalty for a range of non-violent offenses, including crimes against the state, bribery, drug-related activities, embezzlement, and tax evasion, as part of sweeping legal reforms announced today .
Under the new legislation, individuals convicted of non-violent corruption, economic crimes, or drug trafficking will no longer face the death penalty. Instead, sentences will focus on long-term imprisonment and financial penalties. The reform excludes violent crimes such as murder and rape, which remain capital offenses.
President Vo Van Thuong emphasized the change as reflecting global human rights trends, stating that capital punishment should be reserved only for the most heinous acts. He underscored Vietnam’s aspiration to align with international legal standards and leverage legal reform for deeper integration into the global community .
Notably, the decision alters Vietnam’s penal code by eliminating the death penalty for 11 categories of offenses. Among them are abuse of power, embezzlement with significant losses, tax evasion, and drug trafficking involving large quantities. Draft legislation is expected to reach the National Assembly’s final approval later this year, with implementation set to begin in early 2026 .
Human rights advocates have welcomed the reform as a landmark move toward more humane justice. However, some legal experts caution that substantial enhancements in sentencing guidelines and prison conditions will be necessary to ensure the policy’s effectiveness and justice integrity.
The reform also indicates Vietnam’s broader trajectory of legal modernization and cautious engagement with international norms, following recent moves to liberalize business regulations and bolster human rights protections .
With input from Al Jazeera
