Key Events 

• Việt Nam Abolishes Death Penalty for Corruption Amid Wave of High-Profile Trials
• Chinese Survey Ship Operates Near Việt Nam Coast Within EEZ, Raising Tensions
• Việt Nam’s Government Grants Temporary Power to Amend Laws by Resolution
• Bribes, Fraud, and Abuse of Power: Việt Nam Prosecutes Top Officials and Business Figures
• Journalist Lê Hữu Minh Tuấn’s Health Deteriorates — International Calls for His Release Intensify

Việt Nam Scales Back Capital Punishment in Major Penal Code Overhaul

On June 28, Việt Nam’s National Assembly passed a sweeping amendment to the Penal Code that abolishes the death penalty for eight offenses. The revision was adopted with 429 out of 439 lawmakers voting in favor—an approval rate of 89.75%—and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Under the new law, capital punishment will no longer apply to crimes including embezzlement, bribery, illegal drug transportation, and counterfeit drug production. Existing death sentences that have not yet been carried out will automatically be commuted to life imprisonment.