Global executions at highest level since 2015, report says

A new report by Amnesty International reveals a rise in global executions.

In 2024, over 1,500 executions were recorded. Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia accounted for 1,380 of these. The United States had 25 executions.

Despite this increase, only 15 countries carried out the death penalty. This is the lowest number on record for two consecutive years.

Amnesty's Secretary General Agnes Callamard stated that "the tide is turning" on capital punishment. She believes it is only a matter of time until the world ends the use of gallows.

The current figures are the highest since 2015 when at least 1,634 people faced execution. However, the actual number may be higher.

Amnesty notes that China likely carries out thousands of executions annually. North Korea and Vietnam are also not included in their data.

China and Vietnam classify death penalty statistics as state secrets. This makes it difficult for Amnesty to access accurate information.

Other challenges include restrictive state practices and ongoing crises in Gaza and Syria. These factors limit available information from those regions.

The report titled "Death Sentences and Executions 2024" highlights Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia as key contributors to rising execution numbers.

Iraq increased its executions from at least 16 to at least 63. Saudi Arabia doubled its total from 172 to at least 345.

In Iran, executions rose from at least 853 in 2023 to at least 972 in 2024.

The report identifies two main reasons for this spike: using the death penalty against protesters and drug-related crimes.

Over 40% of executions in 2024 were for drug offenses deemed unlawful under human rights law.

In a positive development, Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 2024. Additionally, two inmates were acquitted or granted clemency in Japan and the US since September.

Finally, more than two-thirds of UN member states supported a moratorium on the death penalty last year.