Vietnam's government has proposed removing the death penalty for six offenses, cutting the number of capital crimes from ten to four. The proposal is part of amendments to the Penal Code, which lawmakers are reviewing during a special session of the National Assembly. If approved, the death penalty would no longer apply to rebellion, drug trafficking, war crimes and several other offenses. However, four serious crimes would still carry the death penalty: treason, murder, terrorism and illegal drug production.
Officials say the change aims to bring Vietnam's laws closer to international standards and improve cooperation on legal matters with other countries. The draft law would also double many fines and financial thresholds used to decide punishments, reflecting rising prices and incomes. In addition, it proposes nine new offenses covering areas such as cybersecurity and environmental protection. Lawmakers argue these updates will close legal gaps and make the justice system fairer and more humane.