Latest International Crimes and Penalty News

Court Legal Proceedings

Posted by AI on 2025-08-19 08:55:15 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-20 00:03:07

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From Vietnam to Iran and Japan, here are the latest updates on criminal justice and penalty reforms and retroactive justice around the world.

Recent Developments:

1. Vietnam amends death-eligible offenses: In an effort to promote better criminal justice reform, Vietnam has reduced the number of death-eligible offenses from 18 to 10. Effective July 1, 2025, the revised penal code will mandate life imprisonment for offenses such as illegal drug transport, production, and sale of counterfeit medicine, and embezzlement.

2. Iran and Saudi Arabia' growing death penalty concerns: Recent reports highlight growing concerns about the death penalty for drug-related crimes. Nearly half of the known executions in Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2025 have been drug-related. In 2024, at least 615 people worldwide were executed on drug-related charges, accounting for more than 60% of all known executions.

3. Iran executions rise: Norway-based Iran Human Rights reported a 75% increase in executions in Iran over the last year. Official sources have confirmed only 4% of executions, with secrecy remaining a key issue. In April 2025 alone, Iran executed 110 people, the highest monthly total so far this year.

4. Japan pays tribute to wrongfully incarcerated: After 46 years of wrongful incarceration, Iwao Hakamada was awarded over $217 million yen ($1.4 million) in compensation. Exonerated last year, he is the fifth death-sentenced prisoner to receive a retrial in post-World War II Japan.

Conclusion:

These recent developments shed light on the ongoing global debate over criminal justice reforms. While some countries make efforts to reduce the use of the death penalty, others are seeing a rise in drug-related executions. Norway-based Iran Human Rights' work also highlights the importance of international advocacy and monitoring of criminal justice systems. With growing concerns about secrecy and the increasing number of executions worldwide, particularly in Iran and Saudi Arabia, the need for transparency and accountability in the application of the death penalty remains paramount.

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