Amnesty reports highest number of worldwide executions in 2019 since 2015

Amnesty International Report Shows Sharp Rise in Executions Worldwide

Amnesty International’s latest report revealed a disturbing trend in global executions, with the number reaching the highest level since 2015. The report, released on Wednesday, stated that there were a total of 1,153 executions recorded in 2023, marking a significant 30% increase from the previous year.

The spike in executions was primarily driven by Iran, where authorities executed at least 853 people in 2023, compared to 576 in 2022. Among those executed were 24 women and five individuals who were minors at the time of their crimes, highlighting the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, particularly Iran’s Baluch minority.

Amnesty International’s secretary general, Agnes Callamard, condemned the Iranian authorities for their disregard for human life, particularly in ramping up executions for drug-related offenses. The report also identified China, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United States as the top five countries with the highest number of executions in 2023.

Despite the concerning rise in executions, there was a silver lining in the report. The number of countries carrying out executions dropped to 16, the lowest on record since Amnesty International began monitoring. However, Callamard expressed concern over the US’s increase in executions and the introduction of new, untested execution methods in certain states.

The report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights violations associated with the death penalty and the urgent need for global action to abolish this inhumane practice.