Global Executions Hit Record High in 2023
The number of executions recorded worldwide last year reached the highest level since 2015, according to a report by Amnesty International. The report highlighted a significant increase in executions in Iran and across the Middle East.
Key Highlights:
- Total of 1,153 executions in 2023, marking a 30% rise from 2022
- China not included in the data due to state secrecy
- Iran saw a spike in executions, with at least 853 people executed in 2023
- 24 women and 5 individuals who were minors at the time of the crimes were among those executed
Amnesty International expressed concern over the discriminatory impact of the death penalty on Iran’s Baluch minority, citing a complete disregard for human life by Iranian authorities.
Top Countries for Executions in 2023:
- China
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- United States
Amnesty’s report noted a rise in executions in the United States, with some states showing a strong commitment to the death penalty. New methods such as firing squad and nitrogen gas were introduced for executions in certain states.
Despite these challenges, the report highlighted progress as the number of countries carrying out executions dropped to 16, the lowest since monitoring began.