The global landscape of executions saw a disturbing surge in 2023, with the number of recorded executions reaching the highest level since 2015, according to a report released by Amnesty International on Wednesday. The human rights group documented a total of 1,153 executions last year, marking a significant 30% increase from the previous year.
One of the primary drivers behind this spike in executions was Iran, where authorities carried out at least 853 executions in 2023, a stark rise from the 576 executions in 2022. Among those executed were 24 women and five individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes. Amnesty highlighted the disproportionate impact of the death penalty on Iran’s Baluch minority, emphasizing the discriminatory nature of these executions.
Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s secretary general, condemned the Iranian authorities for their blatant disregard for human life, particularly in their increased use of the death penalty for drug-related offenses. Callamard pointed out how these executions further marginalized and impoverished already vulnerable communities in Iran.
The report identified China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United States as the top five countries with the highest number of executions in 2023. While China’s data remains shrouded in secrecy, Amnesty’s report underscored the concerning trend of rising executions in countries like the United States, where the number of executions increased from 18 to 24 in 2023.
Callamard expressed dismay at the U.S.’s regression in its commitment to human rights, citing the introduction of bills in states like Idaho and Tennessee to carry out executions by firing squad, as well as Alabama’s use of nitrogen gas as a new and untested method of execution. Despite these setbacks, Amnesty noted a positive development in the decreasing number of countries carrying out executions, which dropped to 16 in 2023, the lowest since the organization began monitoring.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights violations and the need for global action to abolish the death penalty. Amnesty International continues to advocate for the protection of human rights and the abolition of capital punishment worldwide.
As the world grapples with the repercussions of these alarming statistics, it is crucial for governments and international bodies to prioritize human rights and work towards a more just and equitable society for all. The fight against the death penalty is far from over, and concerted efforts are needed to ensure that every individual’s right to life is respected and upheld.