Some deputies opposed the proposal of removing the penalty for the crime of manufacturing counterfeit food and pharmaceutical products because it could affect human life on a large scale, hinder smooth economic growth and cause other serious consequences.

“The crime of making counterfeit food and pharmaceutical products is serious, because it is dangerous to people,” said delegate Tran Dinh Long from the Central Highlands Dak Lak Province.

Meanwhile, other NA representatives said Vietnam should not eliminate the death sentence for those committing crimes violating national security and against humanity, including war criminals, considering the seriousness of the crimes.

“If the most serious penalty for crimes against humanity and for war criminals is a life sentence, it is unreasonable, as those convicted of murder for killing even one person could face a firing squad,” said delegate Do Minh Hao from Dak Lak.

Some delegates also proposed that Vietnam should regulate that those serving life imprisonment for some crimes will not be eligible for amnesty, to strengthen the deterrent against people from getting involved in such acts.

“Some criminals are ready to suffer jail terms of 10-15 years and then enjoy the fortunes generated by their offences,” said representative Ngo Minh Hong, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Judicial Department.

In addition, some delegates said the draft amended criminal codes should regulate serious punishment for those destroying forests, because the destruction has reached alarming proportions, but there was no (serious) sanction against it yet.

According to the amended draft criminal code, which the NA is discussing now, the country would remove the death sentence for 17 out of 29 crimes listed in the current criminal code, including rape, circulating counterfeit money, smuggling and organizing drug abuse.

Reported by Ngan Anh