Pakistan, June 25 -- HANOI - Vietnam has officially abolished the death penalty for eight major crimes, including espionage, bribery, and anti-state activities, according to an announcement by state media on Wednesday.

Starting July 1, the number of crimes punishable by death will drop from 18 to just 10. This move comes after Vietnam's National Assembly approved amendments to the country's penal code.

Among the crimes no longer punishable by death are attempting to overthrow the government, sabotaging state infrastructure, producing counterfeit medicine, and illegally transporting narcotics. Espionage, embezzlement, and taking bribes were also removed from the list.

Instead of capital punishment, offenders convicted of these crimes wi...