The use of the death penalty is frequent in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The
country has made efforts in recent years to reduce the number of offenses punishable
by death, particularly for drug-related crimes. While there is limited public
information available on the exact number of executions carried out, it is known that
Vietnam still employs the death penalty as a legal punishment. Capital punishment is
applied for 18 offences which cover a wide range of crimes such as murder, drug
trafficking, rape of minors, manufacturing fake medicines, as well as economic
crimes such as receiving bribes and embezzling property. Six political offences
perceived as “threats against national security” carry the death penalty as a maximum
sentence.

Capital punishment is most often used to sanction drug-related offences, followed by

corruption, black-market and violent crimes. Vietnam has some of the harshest drug
laws in the world. Possession or smuggling of 100g or more of heroin or cocaine, or 5
kilograms or more of cannabis and other opiates is punishable by death.

Arguments in favor of using the death penalty often include the notions of justice,
deterrence, and retribution. Proponents argue that the death penalty serves as a
deterrent for potential offenders and provides a sense of justice for the victims and
their families. Additionally, some argue that certain crimes are so heinous that the
only appropriate punishment is the death penalty.

On the other hand, arguments against the death penalty cite concerns about human
rights, the potential for wrongful convictions, and the lack of evidence that the death
penalty effectively deters crime. Many opponents advocate for the abolition of the
death penalty in favor of alternative forms of punishment, such as life imprisonment,
which allow for the possibility of exoneration in cases of wrongful conviction.

It's important to note that the debate surrounding the death penalty is complex and
multifaceted, encompassing moral, ethical, legal, and practical considerations. The
ongoing discourse on this issue continues to evolve both in Vietnam and on a global
scale.