Harry Archie
Human rights group Amnesty International says global executions reached their highest level since 1981, with Iran recording the highest number of deaths.
According to Amnesty, at least 2,707 people were executed worldwide in 2025.
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Out of this number, 2,159 executions were carried out in Iran, more than double the figure recorded in 2024.
The group said the real global figure could be much higher because thousands of executions believed to have taken place in China were not included due to government secrecy.
Other countries where executions were recorded include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Yemen, Singapore, and the United States.
Amnesty said many governments are increasingly using the death penalty to silence opposition and tighten control.
The group noted that executions in Iran increased sharply after the June 2025 war with Israel and following protests earlier in 2026.
Some of those executed were accused of taking part in protests or belonging to banned groups.
Saudi Arabia carried out at least 356 executions in 2025, slightly higher than the 345 recorded in 2024.
Executions in Kuwait rose from six to 17, while Egypt’s figure increased from 13 to 23.
In Yemen, the number rose from at least 38 to 51.In the United States, 47 executions were recorded in 2025, the highest since 2009.
Amnesty said the increase was largely due to executions carried out in Florida.Singapore also recorded 17 executions, its highest number since 2003.
Amnesty described China as the world’s leading executioner, although exact figures remain unknown because the country keeps such information secret.
