In a significant policy shift, Vietnam's Parliament has unanimously voted to abolish the death penalty for eight criminal offenses, marking a pivotal move towards modernizing its legal framework and enhancing its anti-corruption efforts.
Vietnam Eliminates Death Penalty for Embezzlement and Other Crimes
Vietnam Eliminates Death Penalty for Embezzlement and Other Crimes
This landmark decision aligns Vietnam with international standards and aids in the extradition of fugitives.
In a historical vote held on June 25, 2025, Vietnam's lawmakers officially rescinded the death penalty for various severe crimes, including embezzlement, espionage, and sabotaging state infrastructure. This change is part of a broader initiative to align the country’s legal practices with international human rights standards. Under the amended penal code, individuals convicted of these offenses will now face life imprisonment instead of capital punishment.
The revision of these laws comes as a vital measure for Vietnam’s long-term anti-corruption campaign, as noted by Nguyen Minh Duc, a senior police officer and parliamentary committee member. Notably, this move may facilitate the extradition of suspects from abroad; specific countries had previously hesitated to return individuals accused of corruption due to Vietnam's capital punishment practices.
One of the immediate beneficiaries of this legal reform is Truong My Lan, a prominent real estate mogul sentenced to death last year in connection with a fraudulent scheme valued at $12 billion. Her case highlights the potential impact of this amendment on those facing severe penalties in the Vietnamese judicial system.
Historically, the application of the death penalty in Vietnam was extensive, covering up to 44 offenses in 1985. However, the number of offenses punishable by death has progressively decreased to 10, which currently includes offenses like rioting and statutory rape. Nguyen Ngoc Chi, a former law department deputy head, expressed optimism about the complete abolition of the death penalty in Vietnam’s future.
The announcement also coincides with ongoing discussions regarding an extradition law aimed at streamlining the process for repatriating fugitives. This follows concerns raised in 2017 when Germany accused Vietnam of the unlawful abduction of an asylum-seeker who was later convicted of embezzlement back in Vietnam.
While the specific number of inmates on death row remains undisclosed by the government, recent statistics revealed that thousands have received death sentences, with hundreds executed in the past few years. This renewed legal landscape signifies a crucial turning point for judicial processes and human rights practices in Vietnam.
The revision of these laws comes as a vital measure for Vietnam’s long-term anti-corruption campaign, as noted by Nguyen Minh Duc, a senior police officer and parliamentary committee member. Notably, this move may facilitate the extradition of suspects from abroad; specific countries had previously hesitated to return individuals accused of corruption due to Vietnam's capital punishment practices.
One of the immediate beneficiaries of this legal reform is Truong My Lan, a prominent real estate mogul sentenced to death last year in connection with a fraudulent scheme valued at $12 billion. Her case highlights the potential impact of this amendment on those facing severe penalties in the Vietnamese judicial system.
Historically, the application of the death penalty in Vietnam was extensive, covering up to 44 offenses in 1985. However, the number of offenses punishable by death has progressively decreased to 10, which currently includes offenses like rioting and statutory rape. Nguyen Ngoc Chi, a former law department deputy head, expressed optimism about the complete abolition of the death penalty in Vietnam’s future.
The announcement also coincides with ongoing discussions regarding an extradition law aimed at streamlining the process for repatriating fugitives. This follows concerns raised in 2017 when Germany accused Vietnam of the unlawful abduction of an asylum-seeker who was later convicted of embezzlement back in Vietnam.
While the specific number of inmates on death row remains undisclosed by the government, recent statistics revealed that thousands have received death sentences, with hundreds executed in the past few years. This renewed legal landscape signifies a crucial turning point for judicial processes and human rights practices in Vietnam.
