China reduces the number of crimes punishable by death to 46, but keeps drug trafficking in the list
Governance
The amended Criminal Law, which will take effect on Nov. 1, removed 9 crimes punishable by death including: smuggling weapons, ammunition, nuclear materials or counterfeit currency; counterfeiting currency; raising funds by means of fraud; arranging for or forcing another person to engage in prostitution; obstructing a police officer or a person on duty from performing his duties; and fabricating rumors to mislead others during wartime.
It is the second time China has reduced the number of crimes punishable by death over the past 5 years. In 2011, the NPC Standing Committee dropped the death penalty for 13 crimes, reducing the list from 68 to 55.
The death penalty is still used for a wide range of crimes, including non-violent crimes such as corruption and drug-related offenses. China remains the country with most executions in the world, estimated at 2,400 in 2014.
