From July 1, 2025, Vietnam will officially abolish the death penalty for 8 serious crimes such as embezzlement, illegal drug trafficking, espionage... This is a big step forward in human rights and judicial reform. If you need advice, please contact Apolo Lawyers via email at contact@apolo.com.vn or call the hotline (+84) 903 419 479 for the fastest advice.

1. Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for 8 Crimes - Historic Step in Judicial Reform

July 1, 2025, marks an important turning point in the history of Vietnamese criminal law when the National Assembly officially approved the abolition of the death penalty for 8 serious crimes. This is not only a change in the form of the law but also a profound transformation in legislative thinking - towards a humane, modern, and international standard judiciary. The abolition of the death penalty demonstrates Vietnam commitment to ensuring human rights, while promoting a fair legal environment capable of reforming and creating opportunities for offenders to correct mistakes. In the context of many countries gradually abolishing the death penalty, this new policy has brought Vietnam closer to a progressive, people-centered judicial system.

Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for 8 Crimes from July 1, 2025

2. List of 8 Crimes No Longer Punishable by Death Penalty

Crimes that will no longer be subject to the death penalty include
1. Embezzlement
2. Bribery
3. Illegal transportation of narcotics
4. Illegal manufacture and storage of weapons
5. Sabotage of national infrastructure
6. Espionage
7. Sabotage of security
8. Disruption of security
This means that many cases that have been sentenced to death but have not yet been executed can be converted to life imprisonment or reduced if there are special circumstances.

3. Judicial reform and humaneness in trial

The abolition of the death penalty for eight crimes clearly demonstrates Vietnam s orientation towards a more humane and civilized judicial reform. Instead of focusing on severe punishments for deterrence, current laws focus on reintegrating into the community and encouraging offenders to remedy the consequences and correct their mistakes. This is also a step in line with the international trend, where many countries are reducing or eliminating the death penalty to protect human rights and create conditions for more effective rehabilitation and education. This policy reflects progress in legislative thinking, while creating the premise for building a fair, humane, and modern judicial system.

Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for 8 Crimes from July 1, 2025

The abolition of the death penalty in Vietnam from July 1, 2025, is an important turning point in the legal system. Besides ensuring justice, this decision also opens up opportunities for correction, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society for criminals, in line with progressive trends in the world.

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