Five executed in Vietnam for murder and drug trafficking

Five people convicted of murder and drug trafficking in separate cases were executed by firing squads in Vietnam, state-controlled media reported today.

Duong Van Hung, 37, and Nguyen Khac Diep, 23, were executed today in Hanoi, the Hanoi Moi Evening News said.

Hung was sentenced to death for drug trafficking while Diep was given capital punishment for murder. Nguyen Le Duy Linh, 32, was executed yesterday for murder in southern Long An province, the Young People newspaper said.

Tran Van Binh, 48, was put to death on Tuesday for murder in the northern port city of Hai Phong, the Ho Chi Minh City Police newspaper said. Le The Than, 34, was shot dead by a firing squad in northern Bac Ninh province on Tuesday also for murder, the newspaper said.

About 100 people are sentenced to death in Vietnam each year, where 29 offences – including murder, drug trafficking, child rape and corruption – are punishable by firing squad.