[REVISION HISTORY]

Vietnam legal and criminal code reform proposals

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2026-08-20 05:21 UTC → 2026-08-20 11:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Vietnam is considering significant legal reforms through proposed amendments to its Criminal Code and new resolutions aimed at protecting proactive officials. Initial discussions focused on a draft resolution to provide legal mechanisms for officials who act creatively and for the common good in sectors such as the state economy, science, technology, and digital transformation. This proposal seeks to protect those who act without engaging in corruption or waste, specifically removing requirements that violators must have clearly disclosed facts or contributed to crime detection to qualify for non-prosecution. Subsequent proposals from the Ministry of Public Security have expanded these reforms to the broader Criminal Code. ~~A central component~~ Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang stated that narrowing the ~~latest~~ scope of capital punishment aligns with “progressive legislative trends” and aims to enhance international cooperation in criminal justice, extradition, and mutual legal assistance. The draft amendment submitted to the National Assembly ~~is the reduction of the scope of capital punishment. The proposal suggests~~ proposes abolishing the death penalty for six ~~offenses, including~~ offenses: rebellion, rape of a person under 16, illegal drug trafficking, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and terrorism aimed at opposing the administration. If passed, the death penalty would be restricted to four specific crimes: treason, murder, terrorism, and illegal production of narcotics. Other major revisions include adding nine new criminal offenses, particularly in cybersecurity, high technology, and ~~economic management.~~ environmental protection. The draft also proposes doubling fine levels and monetary thresholds to reflect current economic conditions and seeks to expand criminal liability exemptions for activities involving new technology research and innovation. While the Law and Justice Committee supports narrowing the death penalty, some members have expressed caution regarding the removal of capital punishment for drug trafficking and war crimes, citing concerns over potential impacts on crime deterrence.

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