In a landmark decision, Vietnam has enacted amendments to its penal code, abolishing the death penalty for eight specific criminal offenses, reflecting a significant shift in its legal framework towards international standards.
Vietnam Eliminates Death Penalty for Embezzlement and Other Offenses
Vietnam Eliminates Death Penalty for Embezzlement and Other Offenses
Vietnam's Parliament's recent decision is set to align the country more closely with international practices.
Vietnam's Parliament made a historic move on Wednesday by unanimously ratifying a series of amendments to its penal code, which will abolish the death penalty for several serious crimes, including embezzlement and espionage. The reforms affect offenses that also encompass attempts to overthrow the government, state infrastructure sabotage, counterfeiting medicines, drug trafficking, bribery, and warfare against the state. Individuals convicted of these crimes will now face life imprisonment instead of capital punishment.
Among the notable individuals impacted by this legislative change is property tycoon Truong My Lan, who had received a death sentence for her involvement in a fraudulent scheme estimated at $12 billion. The revisions in the law aim not only to spare the life of Lan but are also seen as a substantial move forward in Vietnam's ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
Nguyen Minh Duc, a deputy chairman of the parliamentary committee focused on national defense and security, noted that the elimination of the death penalty could facilitate the extradition of corruption suspects, as some countries previously hesitated to send fugitives back to Vietnam due to the capital punishment policy. This week, the Vietnamese legislature is concurrently evaluating a new extradition law aimed at easing the repatriation process for such individuals.
Historically, the scope of the death penalty in Vietnam was extensive. A law expert, Nguyen Ngoc Chi, recalled that in 1985, the death penalty was applicable to 44 distinct crimes. Over the years, that number has dwindled to just 10, which still include serious offenses like rape and incitement of riots. Chi expressed optimism about the complete abolition of the death penalty in Vietnam in the future.
This legislative change positions Vietnam in better standing with international norms and highlights a potential turning point in the nation's approach to justice and human rights.
Among the notable individuals impacted by this legislative change is property tycoon Truong My Lan, who had received a death sentence for her involvement in a fraudulent scheme estimated at $12 billion. The revisions in the law aim not only to spare the life of Lan but are also seen as a substantial move forward in Vietnam's ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
Nguyen Minh Duc, a deputy chairman of the parliamentary committee focused on national defense and security, noted that the elimination of the death penalty could facilitate the extradition of corruption suspects, as some countries previously hesitated to send fugitives back to Vietnam due to the capital punishment policy. This week, the Vietnamese legislature is concurrently evaluating a new extradition law aimed at easing the repatriation process for such individuals.
Historically, the scope of the death penalty in Vietnam was extensive. A law expert, Nguyen Ngoc Chi, recalled that in 1985, the death penalty was applicable to 44 distinct crimes. Over the years, that number has dwindled to just 10, which still include serious offenses like rape and incitement of riots. Chi expressed optimism about the complete abolition of the death penalty in Vietnam in the future.
This legislative change positions Vietnam in better standing with international norms and highlights a potential turning point in the nation's approach to justice and human rights.
