Vietnam considers ending death penalty for bribery, embezzlement

The draft amendment, which is expected to be presented to the National Assembly this October, suggests replacing capital punishment with life imprisonment for eight specific crimes.

Under the proposed changes, the death penalty would no longer apply to eight crimes -- receiving bribes, embezzlement, espionage, actions against the government, sabotage, trading counterfeit medicines, illegal transportation of narcotics, and incitement to war.

According to the ministry, Vietnam has evolved considerably since the introduction of the current Penal Code in 2015, last amended in 2017.

Officials argue that the use of the death penalty has certain shortcomings, including inconsistency in sentencing. Currently, 18 crimes can lead to the death penalty, but practical applications vary widely due to differences in the severity and nature of offenses.

Death sentences should be reserved exclusively for particularly heinous crimes, including those related to national security, human life, or severe narcotics violations, according to the proposal.

The proposed changes also maintain protections for vulnerable groups, ensuring death sentences cannot be applied to minors under 18, pregnant women, mothers caring for children under three years old, and individuals aged 75 or older.

Additionally, courts would have the authority to suspend death sentences for up to two years after sentencing.