The National Assembly voted to pass certain articles of the Penal Code (amended). (Photo: quochoi.vn)

Crimes no longer punishable by death include: attempting to overthrow the people’s government; sabotaging state infrastructure and technical facilities; producing and trading counterfeit medicines; destroying peace and causing war; espionage; illegally transporting narcotics; embezzlement; and bribe taking.

Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh said the Government’s proposal to remove capital punishment for these crimes was based on their nature, severity, the importance of the protected assets, and the feasibility of remedying consequences.

Ninh noted that a review of the Penal Code's implementation showed that in practice many crimes that carry the death penalty have not resulted in executions, and added that following the global trend of reducing capital punishment, in law and in practice, will strengthen cooperation and mutual trust.