Pham Van Hung, a senior official from Vietnam's National...

Pham Van Hung, a senior official from Vietnam's National Assembly, told a news conference that Vietnam's amended Penal Code cut by a third the number of crimes that carry the death penalty. The Penal Code amendments listed 29 crimes punishable by death, versus 44 previously. The changes became effective on July 1. Hung said crimes no longer punishable by execution included illegally trading currencies, deserting the battlefield and destroying state property. Capital punishment covered a broad range of crimes, from trying to topple the government, to espionage and engaging in acts that cause social unrest. It appeared that large-scale graft and smuggling were still covered by the death penalty.