The number of executions worldwide exceeded 2,700 last year, marking the highest level in 44 years.
According to a report from Amnesty International cited by the German news agency dpa on May 18, 2025 saw 2,707 executions carried out across 17 countries.
This figure represents a 78% increase from the previous year's total of 1,518 executions, the highest since Amnesty began tracking these statistics in 1981.
The report attributes the significant rise in executions to an increase in punitive measures related to the war on drugs, with 1,257 drug-related executions recorded last year.
Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, stated that “a small number of repressive countries have significantly increased their use of the death penalty,” criticizing these nations for weaponizing capital punishment to instill fear and suppress dissent.
Amnesty highlighted Iran as a key example, noting that at least 2,159 executions were carried out there last year, more than doubling the previous year's total.
China is also mentioned as one of the countries with the highest number of executions, with thousands reportedly carried out last year. Some nations are even attempting to reinstate the death penalty; for instance, Burkina Faso has adopted a draft bill to revive capital punishment for crimes such as treason, terrorism, and espionage.
Despite these alarming trends, Amnesty International acknowledged the progress made by human rights organizations advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, noting that more than half of the countries worldwide have abolished it.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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