Global Executions Reach Highest Level in a Decade

According to Amnesty International, over 1,500 individuals were executed worldwide in the previous year, marking the highest number recorded in a decade. This report encompasses data from 15 countries, revealing a significant concentration of executions in the Middle East. The nations with the highest rates of capital punishment included China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Yemen.

Notably, around 90% of documented executions occurred in three countries: Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, where at least 1,380 individuals were put to death. The Iranian authorities reportedly executed a minimum of 972 people, while Saudi Arabia accounted for 345 executions. Amnesty International highlights that these practices are often employed to silence political dissent.

Estimates suggest that China carries out the most executions globally, with thousands likely executed last year; however, the Chinese government does not release official statistics on this matter. Additionally, over 40% of all executions were linked to drug-related offenses.

In the United States, 25 executions were carried out in the past year. Amnesty International observed that the frequency of capital punishment has increased since the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic. Former President Donald Trump has previously described the death penalty as a vital tool for protecting society from violent criminals. In response, Amnesty International emphasizes that the death penalty does not deter crime, a claim supported by scientific research.

As of the end of 2024, approximately 28,000 individuals were reported to be on death row globally. The annual report compiled by Amnesty International is based on a variety of sources, including official records, data from civil society organizations, and information provided by family members of those sentenced to death. Notably, there is a lack of data concerning North Korea and Vietnam, indicating that the actual scale of capital punishment may not be fully represented in the report.