A new Amnesty International report indicates that executions worldwide have surged to over 1,500 in 2024, with the highest contributors being Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. While this marks the most significant increase since 2015, the number of countries employing the death penalty has plummeted to just 15, underlining a complex and contentious landscape regarding capital punishment.
Worldwide Executions Surge to Highest Levels Since 2015
Worldwide Executions Surge to Highest Levels Since 2015
Amnesty International's latest report reveals a troubling rise in global executions, predominantly in Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, while also highlighting a historic low in participating countries.
The number of state executions globally has witnessed a drastic upswing, reaching its highest level since 2015. A fresh report by Amnesty International disclosed that in 2024, over 1,500 executions were documented, with Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia accounting for a striking 1,380 of these cases. The United States recorded 25 executions, marking a stark contrast to the figures in the Middle East.
Despite the alarming rise in executions, the total number of countries utilizing the death penalty is the lowest on record, with only 15 nations applying this severe punishment for the second year running. Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, believes that "the tide is turning" against capital punishment, expressing optimism that the world will eventually eradicate the death penalty.
The current figures show the most executions since at least 2015, when there were around 1,634 recorded cases. However, the actual total may be even higher, as Amnesty International's records exclude China—where thousands are believed to be executed annually—and also do not account for North Korea and Vietnam, where data is classified as state secret.
The report titled "Death Sentences and Executions 2024" highlights that the spike in executions relates predominantly to governments using the death penalty as a weapon against political dissent and in response to drug-related offenses. Over 40% of executions in 2024 were for drug-related crimes, a move Amnesty considers a violation of international human rights laws.
While Iraq nearly quadrupled its executions—from at least 16 in 2023 to at least 63 in 2024—Saudi Arabia saw its figures rise dramatically from 172 to at least 345. Iran, too, reported an increase from at least 853 executions in the previous year to at least 972 this year.
Amidst these grim statistics, legislative changes in some regions show signs of progress. For instance, Zimbabwe has recently passed a law abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes. Additionally, there were notable developments in Japan and the United States, where death row inmates were acquitted and granted clemency, respectively.
The report also noted that the majority of U.N. member states—over two-thirds—had voted in favor of a moratorium on the death penalty in the prior year, suggesting a growing international momentum against its use.
