The Amnesty International report highlights a significant increase in global executions, reaching over 1,500 in 2024, led by Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Despite this rise, the number of countries implementing the death penalty fell to a record low of 15.
Rise in Global Executions: Amnesty International Reports Alarming Trends
Rise in Global Executions: Amnesty International Reports Alarming Trends
A recent Amnesty International report reveals state executions at a decade-high, despite a decrease in countries employing the death penalty.
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The global landscape of capital punishment has seen a troubling resurgence, with executions in 2024 hitting their highest level in ten years, according to a recent report from Amnesty International. An alarming total of more than 1,500 executions have been documented this year, with Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia responsible for a staggering 1,380 of these cases, while the United States accounted for 25 executions.
Interestingly, the report also notes that the number of nations actively practicing the death penalty stands at 15, the lowest figure recorded for the second consecutive year. Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, expressed hope that the momentum against capital punishment is gaining strength, stating, "the tide is turning," and foreseeing a future free of the death penalty.
While these execution figures are the highest reported since 2015, which saw at least 1,634 executions, Amnesty International cautions that the true number may be significantly higher. Notably, the report does not include thousands of executions that are believed to occur in China, as well as cases in North Korea and Vietnam, where data is deemed a state secret and remains inaccessible.
Challenges, including restrictive government practices and conflicts in regions like Gaza and Syria, further hinder the collection of reliable data on the death penalty's use. The report, titled "Death Sentences and Executions 2024," emphasizes that the notable increase in executions can be attributed to regimes "weaponizing the death penalty against protesters" and administering it primarily for "drug-related crimes."
Notably, over 40% of executions in 2024 were reported to be related to drug offenses, which Amnesty International argues contravenes international human rights laws. On a more positive note, Zimbabwe recently enacted legislation abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes, and in September 2024, two major sets of clemency were granted to death row inmates in Japan and the United States.
The report also highlights a global trend, with over two-thirds of UN member states supporting a moratorium on the death penalty last year, suggesting a significant shift in global perceptions regarding capital punishment.
The global landscape of capital punishment has seen a troubling resurgence, with executions in 2024 hitting their highest level in ten years, according to a recent report from Amnesty International. An alarming total of more than 1,500 executions have been documented this year, with Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia responsible for a staggering 1,380 of these cases, while the United States accounted for 25 executions.
Interestingly, the report also notes that the number of nations actively practicing the death penalty stands at 15, the lowest figure recorded for the second consecutive year. Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, expressed hope that the momentum against capital punishment is gaining strength, stating, "the tide is turning," and foreseeing a future free of the death penalty.
While these execution figures are the highest reported since 2015, which saw at least 1,634 executions, Amnesty International cautions that the true number may be significantly higher. Notably, the report does not include thousands of executions that are believed to occur in China, as well as cases in North Korea and Vietnam, where data is deemed a state secret and remains inaccessible.
Challenges, including restrictive government practices and conflicts in regions like Gaza and Syria, further hinder the collection of reliable data on the death penalty's use. The report, titled "Death Sentences and Executions 2024," emphasizes that the notable increase in executions can be attributed to regimes "weaponizing the death penalty against protesters" and administering it primarily for "drug-related crimes."
Notably, over 40% of executions in 2024 were reported to be related to drug offenses, which Amnesty International argues contravenes international human rights laws. On a more positive note, Zimbabwe recently enacted legislation abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes, and in September 2024, two major sets of clemency were granted to death row inmates in Japan and the United States.
The report also highlights a global trend, with over two-thirds of UN member states supporting a moratorium on the death penalty last year, suggesting a significant shift in global perceptions regarding capital punishment.
