THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY No: 15/1999/QH10 SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM Independence - Freedom - Happiness ----- o0o ----Ha Noi , Day 21 month 12 year 1999 PENAL CODE (No. 15/1999/QH10) FOREWORD Criminal law constitutes one of the sharp and effective instruments to prevent and combat crime, actively contributing to the defense of independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland, the protection of the interests of the State as well as the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and organizations. It also contributes to the maintenance of social order and security and economic management order and provides security for all people to live in a safe, healthy and highly humane social and ecological environment. At the same time the criminal law actively contributes to doing away with elements which obstruct the process of renewal and national industrialization and modernization for a prosperous people, a strong country and an equitable and civilized society. This Penal Code has been made on the basis of inheriting and promoting the principles and institutions of Vietnam•s criminal legislation, particularly the 1985 Penal Code, as well as experiences drawn from the reality of the struggle to prevent and combat crimes over many decades of the process of national construction and defense. The Penal Code demonstrates the spirit of active prevention and resolute combat against crimes through penalties in order to deter, educate, convert and reform offenders into honest people; thereby to imbue every citizen with the spirit and sense of being masters of the society, the sense of law observance and active participation in crime prevention and combat. To strictly implement the Penal Code is the common task of all agencies, organizations and the entire population. GENERAL PART Chapter I FUNDAMENTAL PROVISIONS Article 1.- The tasks of the Penal Code The Penal Code has the tasks of protecting the socialist regime, the people•s