Amnesty International Reports Global Death Sentences Hit 44-Year High
Executions reached a 44-year high in 2025 with at least 2,707 people put to death across 17 countries, a 78 percent surge driven largely by Iran and Saudi Arabia's use of capital punishment for drug offenses.
Amnesty International has released data showing that executions have reached their highest level in 44 years since records began. At least 2,707 people were executed across 17 countries in 2025, representing a 78 percent increase from at least 1,518 executions in 2024. The annual global report on capital punishment and executions indicates that the rise stems from a small number of governments that continue to rule through fear.
Iran carried out at least 2,159 executions, more than double the 2024 figure, while Saudi Arabia executed at least 356 people. Both countries extensively use capital punishment for drug-related offenses. Kuwait increased executions from 6 to 17, Egypt from 13 to 23, Singapore from 9 to 17, and the United States from 25 to 47.
The 2025 figures exclude China, which is believed to carry out thousands of executions annually, making it the world's leading executioner. Nearly half of all 2025 executions were drug-related offenses, totaling at least 1,257 cases—46 percent in China alone, followed by Iran with at least 998, Saudi Arabia with 240, Singapore with 15, and Kuwait with 2.
Some countries are expanding capital punishment to cover more drug-related crimes. Despite rising execution numbers, executions remain concentrated in a small group of nations, with only 10 countries carrying out executions every year over the past five years. Four countries have resumed executions after a hiatus. By the end of 2025, 17 countries carried out executions, while 113 countries have abolished capital punishment for all crimes, and 145 countries total have abolished or suspended it either in law or practice.
