In a historic vote by Vietnam's 15th National Assembly, the death penalty has been abolished for eight major offenses, marking a significant shift in the nation's legal landscape. The legislative body, with an overwhelming majority of 429 out of 439 delegates in favor, decided to replace capital punishment with life imprisonment for crimes including embezzlement, bribery, counterfeiting medicines, espionage, drug trafficking, vandalism of state property, sabotage, and anti-government activities.

The revised Criminal Code will also see all existing death sentences for these crimes commuted to life terms starting July 1, 2025. This move reflects a broader global trend, with over 70 percent of countries worldwide having abolished the death penalty.

Minister of Public Security, Lương Tam Quang, expressed that the prior capital punishment structure was no longer aligned with Vietnam's socio-economic realities and crime prevention needs. The decision notably impacts high-profile cases such as that of Trương Mỹ Lan, former chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Group, who was sentenced to death in 2024 for a massive $12 billion embezzlement case. Her sentence will now be converted to life imprisonment, potentially further reducible upon restitution.

Internationally, this amendment has been recognized as a positive development. Chiara Sangiorgio, Amnesty International’s Death Penalty Advisor, lauded the move but pointed out the need for more comprehensive reforms, especially in enhancing due process and transparency around executions, which Vietnam typically shrouds in secrecy.

Despite these significant changes, Vietnam retains the death penalty for 19 other offenses, including murder, terrorism, treason, and child rape, with lethal injection continuing as the sole execution method. The country remains one of the largest executioners in Southeast Asia, a status highlighted by Amnesty International's recent findings.

This reform not only narrows the scope of capital punishment in Vietnam but also aligns its legal framework with an increasing global consensus against the death penalty. The changes underscore a significant transition in how justice is administered, reflecting evolving norms and values within Vietnamese society.