Vietnam Drafts Law to Shield Certain Officials from Criminal Prosecution

The Standing Committee of Vietnam's National Assembly is reviewing a draft resolution that would exempt officials from criminal liability when six specific conditions are met. The conditions include: no involvement in corruption, acting for the public good, completion of projects in science, technology, innovation or digital transformation that yield economic and social benefits, resolution of any complaints or accusations, no loss or waste of state assets (or full remediation if losses occurred), and the official’s transparent disclosure that contributed to crime detection and handling. The draft also covers cases where individuals suffer loss or damage while applying new technologies or innovations, provided they followed proper procedures and preventive measures. The proposal aims to encourage dynamic, risk‑taking public servants while maintaining accountability, and will be submitted for parliamentary approval at an extraordinary session in August.