Sharp global rise in executions
Death penalty executions worldwide increased sharply in 2025, reaching their highest level since 1981, according to Amnesty International’s annual report published today.
The organisation documented at least 2,707 executions globally in 2025, a 78% increase compared with the previous year. The figure does not include thousands of executions believed to have taken place in China, which remains the world’s leading executing country, Amnesty said.
Iran accounts for majority of executions
Iran was responsible for around 80% of all recorded executions in 2025, making it the primary driver of the global increase in death penalty executions.
At least 2,159 executions were carried out in Iran, compared with 972 in 2024, marking a significant year-on-year rise.
Amnesty International said Iranian authorities have intensified their use of the death penalty as a tool of repression and political control, resulting in what it described as an “unprecedented surge” in executions.
Post-conflict surge in executions
The report notes a sharp increase in executions following the 12-day war against Iran launched by Israel and the United States in June.
A total of 654 executions took place before the conflict, while a further 1,505 were recorded between July and December.
The report also highlights that executions linked to political cases and national security issues have continued, with the United Nations reporting at least 21 such cases since late February.
Drug-related cases and other countries
Nearly half of Iran’s executions in 2025 (998 cases) were related to drug offences, which also doubled compared with the previous year.
Other countries carrying out executions include Saudi Arabia with 356, Yemen with at least 51, the United States with 47, Egypt with 23, and Somalia, Singapore and Kuwait with 17 each.
In total, executions were recorded in 17 countries worldwide.
Amnesty warns of use as political tool
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard said a small group of states is using the death penalty as a tool of fear and control.
She warned that executions are increasingly being used to suppress dissent and target marginalised communities, describing the trend as deeply alarming.
Source: CNA
Also read: Trump issues fresh threat to Iran after strike near UAE nuclear site
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