Story perspectives

Southeast Asia Shifts: Death Penalty Reforms and Resistance

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Southeast Asian countries are moving away from capital punishment, with reforms in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Vietnam reduced death-eligible crimes from 18 to 10 in 2025.
Malaysia abolished the mandatory death penalty.
Indonesia may become a de facto abolitionist state if it does not execute anyone in 2026.
Singapore increased executions, with 17 people executed in 2025, mainly for drug offenses, prompting EU criticism and highlighting resistance to abolition.

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Story summary

Southeast Asian countries are moving away from capital punishment, with reforms in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Vietnam reduced death-eligible crimes from 18 to 10 in 2025.
Malaysia abolished the mandatory death penalty.
Indonesia may become a de facto abolitionist state if it does not execute anyone in 2026.
Singapore increased executions, with 17 people executed in 2025, mainly for drug offenses, prompting EU criticism and highlighting resistance to abolition.