The number of people put to death worldwide increased by 30% in 2023, making it the deadliest year in almost a decade, according to a report by Amnesty International. This rise in executions comes despite a decreasing number of countries using capital punishment. Iran saw the highest increase, with 853 executions recorded, a 48% rise from the previous year. The U.S. remains among the top 5 countries for executions, with 24 people put to death. The 2023 global total of 1,153 executions is the highest since 2015.
In the U.S., despite fewer states carrying out executions, the total number of executions rose by 33% in 2023. States like Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas accounted for the executions, with a total of 24 people put to death. The rise in executions globally was primarily driven by Iran and also witnessed a surge in Saudi Arabia and Somalia. Iran accounted for 74% of recorded executions, with drug-related offenses leading to the majority of the executions.
The report also noted a decreasing number of countries performing executions, with only 16 nations carrying out capital punishment in 2023. Countries like Belarus, Japan, Myanmar, and South Sudan did not conduct any executions during the year. Some countries have also repealed death penalty laws, with Pakistan abolishing it for drug-related offenses and Malaysia no longer making it mandatory. Despite the setbacks, Amnesty International continues to campaign against the death penalty in countries where it is still practiced.
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