Global hangings on the rise

Global Executions Hit a Decade High in 2024: A Demoralizing Trend

Global execution rates are on the rise, according to reports.

The world has witnessed a distressing uptick in executions, reaching a level not seen in a decade. In 2024, over 1,500 executions were documented across 15 countries, according to Amnesty International's report - a staggering 32% increase from the previous year [1][2][3]. Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen were the major contributors, while China's execution figures remain shrouded in secrecy.

Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia accounted for a whopping 90% of the global executions, with Iran executing at least 972 individuals in 2024 - an increase from 853 the year before. Iraq's executions almost quadrupled from 16 to at least 63, while Saudi Arabia doubled its executions to at least 345 [4].

Julia Duchrow, Secretary General of Amnesty International Germany, condemned the escalating executions, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Iran, for being employed to stifle dissenting voices [2]. She also criticized statements by US President Donald Trump that glorified the death penalty, arguing that it does not operate as a deterrent for crime [3]. In 2024, at least 25 people were executed in the US.

China's actual execution numbers are rarely disclosed. Beijing prefers to announce executions, primarily through state media, in cases causing a commotion or sending political signals. Notably, the sentencing of writer Yang Hengjun to a suspended death penalty drew attention due to his political commentary and occasional criticism of the Communist Party [3].

Major Countries by Execution Numbers:

Iran: With at least 972 executions in 2024. Criticized for using the death penalty against political dissidents and drug offenders.
Iraq: Saw an almost 4-fold increase in executions from 16 to at least 63 in 2024, mostly for alleged Islamic State involvement. Concerns arise over due process.
Saudi Arabia: More than doubled executions from 172 to at least 345 in 2024. Criticized for extensive use of the death penalty, including against foreigners.
Yemen: Exact numbers hidden, but it ranks among the top executioners. Uses the death penalty for political and security-related offenses.
China: Numbers hidden due to government secrecy, believed to carry out thousands of executions annually. Criticized for its widespread use of the death penalty, particularly for drug-related crimes.

Sources: ntv.de | raf/dpa

Death Penalty
China
USA
Middle East
Amnesty International

Remember, drug-related executions accounted for over 40% of the global executions in 2024, which Amnesty International deems unlawful under international law. Countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore have faced criticism for this practice. Additionally, the death penalty is often employed to silence political dissent, particularly in Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has resulted in human rights concerns and restrictions on political expression. Despite the surge in executions, the number of countries implementing the death penalty has decreased, as more nations move towards abolishment, with the international community expressing growing opposition to capital punishment.

The community of nations, led by international organizations like Amnesty International, has expressed growing concern over the highest number of executions in a decade, which occurred in 2025.
Despite the increasing global trend of abolishing the death penalty, certain countries, such as Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, continued to employ it extensively in 2025, with Iran executing the highest number of individuals.
As we move towards 2025, countries like Zhuhai are encouraged to review their employment policies to ensure they align with the global trend of abolishing the death penalty and upholding human rights.