Global Executions Hit 44-Year High in 2025, Driven by Iran
Amnesty International reports that global executions reached their highest level since 1981 in 2025, with at least 2,707 confirmed deaths across 17 countries. This 78% increase from the previous year is primarily driven by Iran, which accounted for 2,159 executions as a tool for political repression following domestic protests and regional conflict. Saudi Arabia and the United States also saw significant rises. The data highlights a disturbing reversal in the global trend toward abolishing the death penalty, with China remaining the top executor despite undisclosed figures.
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Global Death Sentences and Executions Rise to Record Levels in 2025
Amnesty International’s newly released annual report highlights a record-breaking surge in the number of death sentences and executions worldwide during 2025. The humanitarian organization identifies China as the country with the highest number of cases, maintaining its status as the world's leading executioner, although exact figures remain state secrets. Significant attention is also drawn to Iran, where the number of executions has nearly doubled compared to 2024 levels, contributing substantially to the global increase. This trend marks a concerning reversal in the global movement towards abolition of the death penalty. The report underscores the continued use of capital punishment by major states despite international human rights standards advocating for its end. The data presented by Amnesty International serves as a critical indicator of the current state of judicial punishments globally, pointing to intensified repression in specific regions. The findings emphasize the urgent need for renewed international dialogue and pressure regarding human rights violations associated with capital punishment. The source, France 24, reports these findings as part of its coverage on international breaking news and human rights developments.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesAmnesty International: Iran Drives Global Surge in Executions to 44-Year High in 2025
Amnesty International’s 2025 annual report reveals that global executions reached their highest level in 44 years, with at least 2,707 people executed across 17 countries. This figure represents a 78% increase from 2024 and is the highest since records began in 1981. The organization identifies the Islamic Republic of Iran as the primary driver of this surge, having executed at least 2,159 individuals, more than double the previous year’s count. Nearly half of all recorded executions were drug-related, with Iran accounting for 998 of these cases. Saudi Arabia followed with 356 executions, also heavily utilizing the death penalty for drug offenses. While China remains the world’s largest executor, its data is excluded from the total due to state secrecy. Despite the sharp rise in executions, Amnesty International noted that the number of countries abolishing the death penalty has grown to 113, with recent reforms in Vietnam and Gambia. Secretary-General Agnes Callamard criticized the minority of governments using capital punishment to instill fear and suppress dissent, highlighting a continued global divide between abolitionist nations and those retaining the practice.
ایران اینترنشنالAmnesty International: Global Executions Hit Record High in 2025, Led by Iran
Amnesty International’s 2025 annual report reveals that global executions reached their highest level since 1981, with at least 2,707 recorded deaths excluding China. This represents a 78% increase from 2024, driven primarily by Iran, which accounted for 80% of the recorded executions. In Iran, executions more than doubled to approximately 2,159, with a significant surge following a 12-day conflict with Israel and the United States in June. The NGO describes the death penalty in Iran as a tool for political repression and control, noting that nearly half of the executions were related to drug violations. Other countries with notable execution counts include Saudi Arabia (356), Yemen (51), and the United States (47). In total, 17 countries carried out executions. Amnesty International condemns this trend, stating that a minority of states uses capital punishment to instill fear and suppress dissent among marginalized populations. The report highlights the intensification of state violence in response to internal protests and regional conflicts.
Digi24Global Executions Reach Highest Level Since 1981, Driven by Iran and China
According to a recent report by Amnesty International, the number of executions worldwide has reached its highest level since 1981, with at least 2,707 people executed in the previous year. This figure represents a 78 percent increase compared to 2024. The surge is primarily attributed to Iran, which carried out at least 2,159 executions, accounting for the vast majority of recorded deaths alongside Saudi Arabia. China is estimated to execute thousands more annually, but exact figures remain a state secret, excluding it from the official minimum count. The report highlights that nearly half of all recorded executions were for drug offenses, a practice violating international human rights law. While some nations like Algeria and Kuwait seek to expand capital punishment for drug crimes, others such as Chad and Peru are examining its reintroduction. Conversely, 113 countries have abolished the death penalty. Amnesty International criticizes these trends as tools for intimidation and control, urging the international community to increase pressure on executing states to halt this negative trajectory in human rights.
DiePresse.com - HomeAmnesty Report: Global Executions Surge in 2025 Led by Iran
Amnesty International reports a sharp increase in documented global executions in 2025, reaching at least 2,707 across 17 countries, the highest number in 44 years. This surge is primarily driven by Iran, which accounted for 2,159 executions, using capital punishment to suppress dissent following mass protests. China remains the world's leading executor, though exact figures are state secrets; Amnesty estimates the number at several thousand. In the United States, executions rose to 47, the highest level since 2009, with Florida conducting nearly half of these. The report highlights that approximately half of all documented executions worldwide were for drug-related offenses, particularly in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Singapore, a practice Amnesty condemns as a violation of international law. Additionally, new legislation in Israel now permits the death penalty for terrorist-motivated murders aimed at destroying the state. Amnesty officials criticize the trend as a shocking disregard for the right to life and human dignity, noting that governments continue to use execution as a tool for political control and fearmongering rather than justice.
taz.de - taz.deAmnesty: Iran Executed Record 2,159 People in 2025 Amid Regional Conflict
Amnesty International reported that Iran executed 2,159 individuals in 2025, marking the highest annual figure for the country since 1981 and contributing to a global surge in capital punishment. The global total reached at least 2,707 executions, excluding China where data remains state-secret but thousands are believed to have been killed. This represents a more than two-thirds increase from 2024 levels. Amnesty attributes the sharp rise in Iran to intensified political repression following mass antigovernment protests in January and the outbreak of war with Israel and the United States in June 2025. Other nations also saw increases, including Saudi Arabia with 356 executions, and rises in Kuwait, Egypt, and Yemen. In the United States, executions rose to 47, the highest since 2009, driven largely by an unprecedented spike in Florida. While Tehran has acknowledged 30 executions in early 2026, discrepancies exist among rights groups, with Iran Human Rights estimating lower figures for 2025. The report highlights a broader trend of authorities using the death penalty to silence dissent and restrict civic space amidst regional instability.
Radio Free Europe / Radio LibertyAmnesty International: Global Executions Surge to Highest Level in Decades
Amnesty International reports that the number of recorded executions worldwide rose significantly in 2025, reaching at least 2,707 across 17 countries, the highest total in 44 years. This sharp increase is primarily driven by Iran, where authorities executed at least 2,159 individuals, more than double the previous year's count, often using capital punishment to suppress dissent following mass protests. While China likely carries out the most executions globally, exact figures remain state secrets, though estimates suggest thousands. In the United States, 47 executions were recorded, marking the highest number since 2009, with Florida accounting for a significant portion. The report highlights that nearly half of all documented executions were for drug-related offenses, a practice Amnesty condemns as a violation of international law. Additionally, new legislation in Israel allowing the death penalty for certain terrorist acts has drawn criticism. Despite the overall rise, some progress was noted in Belarus, which recorded no new death sentences or executions in 2025. Amnesty emphasizes that the death penalty remains an inhumane form of state violence that disregards the right to life.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETIran's Surge in Executions Drives Global Total to Highest Since 1981: Amnesty
Amnesty International reported that global executions reached their highest recorded level since 1981, driven primarily by a staggering increase in Iran. In 2025, Iran carried out at least 2,159 executions, more than double the previous year's figure. This surge contributed to a global total of at least 2,707 confirmed executions, representing a two-thirds increase from 2024. Amnesty attributed Iran's spike to the intensified use of the death penalty as a tool for political repression and control following the June 2025 war with Israel and subsequent domestic protests. Other countries also saw rises, including Saudi Arabia (356 executions), Kuwait, Egypt, Yemen, Singapore, and the United States, where Florida's increased activity pushed the national total to 47. However, the report excludes China, which Amnesty continues to identify as the world's leading executioner, due to state secrecy surrounding its data. The rights group highlighted that this global trend reflects authorities tightening their grip on power by restricting civic space and disregarding international human rights standards.
The New ArabAmnesty Reports Highest Execution Count in 44 Years, Driven by Surge in Iran
According to a recent report by Amnesty International, the year 2025 witnessed the highest number of death sentences and executions recorded in the past 44 years. The data reveals that a total of 2,706 individuals were executed globally during this period. This figure represents a sharp increase compared to previous years, a trend primarily attributed to a significant surge in state-sanctioned killings in Iran. The report highlights that Iran alone accounted for at least 2,159 of these executions. This number is more than double the count recorded in the preceding year, indicating a drastic escalation in the use of capital punishment within the country. The findings underscore Iran's dominant role in driving up global execution statistics for 2025. Amnesty International's documentation serves as a critical indicator of human rights violations and the expanding application of the death penalty in specific regions, marking a concerning reversal in global trends toward abolition or reduced usage of capital punishment.
Nieuws, achtergronden en onderzoeksjournalistiek - NRCAmnesty International Reports Highest Global Execution Count Since 1981, Driven by Surge in Iran
Amnesty International’s latest annual report reveals that global executions reached their highest level since 1981, with at least 2,707 recorded deaths in 2025. This represents a sharp 78% increase compared to 2024. The surge is primarily attributed to Iran, which accounted for 80% of all recorded executions, totaling 2,159 individuals. Executions in Iran more than doubled from the previous year, intensifying significantly after the June 2025 "twelve-day war" involving Israel and the United States. While nearly half of Iran's executions were linked to drug offenses, the NGO highlights the death penalty's use as a tool for political repression. The report excludes data from China, which is believed to carry out the highest number of executions globally. Other countries with notable execution counts include Saudi Arabia (356), Yemen (51), and the United States (47). In total, 17 countries carried out executions. Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard condemned these states for using capital punishment to instill fear and crush dissent among marginalized populations. The data underscores a significant regression in human rights protections regarding capital punishment worldwide.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeGlobal Executions Hit 44-Year High, Driven by Surge in Iran
Amnesty International reports that at least 2,707 people were executed worldwide last year, marking a 78 percent increase from the previous year and the highest level since 1981. This dramatic rise is primarily attributed to Iran, where executions more than doubled to at least 2,159, often targeting protesters and drug offenders. The organization warns that the actual global figure is likely significantly higher, as data from China, Vietnam, and North Korea remains unavailable; China is suspected of executing several thousand individuals. Other countries with notable execution counts include Saudi Arabia (356), Yemen (51), and the United States (47). In the US, federal authorities have discussed expanding execution methods. Additionally, the report highlights a new Israeli law allowing the death penalty for terrorist-motivated murders aimed at destroying the state, a move critics argue disproportionately affects Palestinians. Despite these increases, more than two-thirds of countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. Amnesty emphasizes that states are increasingly using capital punishment to silence dissent and oppress disadvantaged groups.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenGlobal Executions Hit Record High in 2025 Driven by Surge in Iran
Amnesty International's annual report reveals that global executions reached a record high in 2025, surpassing levels not seen since 1981. The organization recorded at least 2,707 executions worldwide, a significant increase driven primarily by Iran, which accounted for 2,159 of these cases. This figure represents more than double the number of executions in Iran compared to 2024. Amnesty attributes this surge to the Iranian regime's intensified use of capital punishment as a tool for political repression and control following internal protests and the June 2025 war with Israel. While Iran led in confirmed numbers, Amnesty maintains that China remains the world's leading executor of death sentences, though exact figures are withheld due to state secrecy. Other countries with notable execution counts included Saudi Arabia (356), Yemen (51), and the United States (47). The report highlights a troubling trend where authorities restrict civic space and silence dissidents, leading to a disregard for international human rights standards. In total, 17 countries carried out executions in 2025, marking a stark escalation in the application of the death penalty globally.
Clarin.com - Home - Lo últimoGlobal Executions Hit 44-Year High in 2025 Driven by Iranian Repression
According to a 2026 report by Amnesty International, global executions reached their highest level in 44 years during 2025, with at least 2,707 documented deaths. This represents a 78% increase from the previous year, primarily driven by a surge in state-sponsored killings in Iran. The Iranian regime accounted for 2,159 of these executions, using capital punishment as a tool to suppress dissent and silence critics, particularly following escalations in regional conflict. While China remains the world's leading executor, its exact figures are classified as state secrets. Saudi Arabia followed Iran with 356 executions, meaning these two nations collectively represented 93% of the global total. The report highlights that 46% of all executions were for drug-related offenses, a practice violating international law which reserves the death penalty for the most serious crimes like intentional homicide. Countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Singapore led this trend under the guise of a 'war on drugs.' Additionally, Japan, the UAE, South Sudan, and Taiwan resumed executions, bringing the total number of executing countries to 17. The data underscores a disturbing global rebound in capital punishment, heavily concentrated in Asia and the Middle East.
Portada // elmundoIran’s Surge in Executions Drives Global Death Penalty Rates to Highest Since 1981
Amnesty International reported that global executions reached their highest recorded level since 1981, driven primarily by a staggering increase in Iran. In 2025, at least 2,707 executions were confirmed worldwide, with Iran accounting for 2,159 of these cases, more than double the figure from 2024. This surge coincides with intensified political repression following the June 2025 war with Israel and subsequent domestic protests. The rights group highlighted that Iran used the death penalty as a tool for control, targeting dissenters and members of banned groups. Other countries also saw increases, including Saudi Arabia (356 executions), the United States (47, led by Florida), Singapore (17), Kuwait, Egypt, and Yemen. However, the total excludes China, which Amnesty continues to classify as the world’s leading executioner but omits from counts due to state secrecy surrounding its capital punishment data. The report underscores a broader trend of tightening civic space and disregarding international human rights standards in nations with rising execution rates.
The Straits Times World NewsIran's Surge in Executions Drives Global Total to Highest Since 1981: Amnesty
Amnesty International reported that global executions reached their highest recorded level since 1981, driven primarily by a staggering increase in Iran. In 2025, at least 2,707 executions were confirmed worldwide, with Iran accounting for 2,159 of these cases, more than double the figure from 2024. This surge is attributed to Iranian authorities using the death penalty as a tool for political repression following January protests and the June 2025 war with Israel. Other countries also saw increases, including Saudi Arabia (356 executions), the United States (47 executions, led by Florida), Kuwait, Egypt, Yemen, and Singapore. However, the total excludes China, which Amnesty continues to identify as the world's most prolific user of the death penalty, though data remains state-secret. The report highlights a broader trend of tightening civic space and silencing dissent in nations with rising execution rates, marking a significant deterioration in adherence to international human rights standards.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastGlobal Executions Hit 40-Year High Driven by Iran's Death Penalty Surge
According to a recent report by Amnesty International, the number of executions worldwide reached its highest level since 1981 in 2025. This significant increase is largely attributed to a staggering rise in the use of the death penalty in Iran. The UK-based human rights organization confirmed that at least 2,707 individuals were executed globally during this period. Notably, Iran accounted for the vast majority of these cases, with 2,159 confirmed executions within its borders. This data highlights a concerning trend in global capital punishment practices, with Iran's judicial actions serving as the primary driver for the four-decade high. The report underscores the critical role of Iran in shaping current global statistics on state-sanctioned killings, marking a severe escalation compared to previous years. Amnesty International's findings serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in human rights protections and the application of capital punishment in various jurisdictions around the world.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesIran's Execution Surge Drives Global Total to Highest Since 1981: Amnesty
Amnesty International reported on Monday that Iran executed more than 2,150 individuals last year, marking a staggering increase in the country's use of capital punishment. This significant rise in executions within Iran has directly contributed to pushing the total number of recorded executions worldwide to their highest level since 1981. The data highlights a concerning trend in global human rights violations, with Iran identified as a primary driver of this statistical spike. The report underscores the severity of the situation in Iran, where the judicial system's application of the death penalty has intensified dramatically. By reaching a peak not seen in over four decades, the global execution toll reflects broader issues regarding justice and human rights standards. Amnesty International's findings serve as a critical alert to the international community about the escalating use of state-sanctioned killing, particularly focusing on Iran's disproportionate impact on global statistics. The organization's characterization of the increase as "staggering" emphasizes the unexpected magnitude of the rise compared to previous years.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesGlobal Executions Reach Highest Level in Over 40 Years, Driven by Iran
A new report by Amnesty International reveals that the number of executions worldwide reached its highest level in more than four decades in 2025. A total of 2,707 people were executed across 17 countries, marking an increase of nearly 80 percent compared to the 1,518 executions recorded in 2024. This figure represents the highest annual total since 1981. Iran is identified as the primary driver of this surge, accounting for the vast majority of these deaths with at least 2,159 executions, which is more than double the number from the previous year. The United States also saw a significant rise, with the number of executions almost doubling from 25 to 47. The report highlights a troubling reversal in the global trend towards abolishing the death penalty. Protests against these practices, such as those held in Paris in October 2025 where photos of executed Iranians were displayed, underscore growing international concern. The data underscores the critical role of specific nations in influencing global human rights statistics regarding capital punishment.
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