The number of executions worldwide has surged in recent years, with some countries intensifying their use of capital punishment despite growing international pressure to abolish it. According to Amnesty International and other human rights organizations, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China remain the world’s top executioners. At the same time, countries like the United States and Egypt continue to impose the death penalty at significant rates.

Global Ranking of Executions (2024 Estimates)

1. China – Estimated thousands (exact numbers undisclosed)

2. Iran – Over 900 executions

3. Egypt – At least 590 new death sentences (exact execution numbers unclear)

4. Saudi Arabia – 330 executions

5. Bangladesh – 248 new death sentences (execution data unclear)

6. Somalia – 38 executions

7. United States – 24 executions

8. Iraq – At least 16 executions

9. Vietnam – Unknown (suspected high numbers, but data classified)

10. Pakistan – Unknown (death sentences issued, but fewer executions)

Iran and Saudi Arabia Lead Execution Surge

Iran recorded at least 900 executions in 2024, making it the highest confirmed executioner in the world after China, where figures remain a state secret. Amnesty International noted a 48% rise in executions in Iran compared to the previous year, with many related to drug offences and political charges. Saudi Arabia also saw a dramatic increase, with 330 executions in 2024, the highest number recorded in decades.

Revealed: What does a death sentence mean in Kenyan law

China remains the world’s largest executioner, but due to government secrecy, the exact number is unknown. Estimates suggest thousands of executions occur each year, often for crimes such as drug trafficking, corruption, and violent offences.

Other Notable Execution Trends

Iraq and Somalia continued their use of the death penalty, with at least 16 and 38 executions, respectively, in 2023. Meanwhile, Egypt issued 590 new death sentences in 2023, though the actual number of executions carried out remains unclear.

In the United States, 24 executions were recorded in 2023, a number that has remained relatively stable over the past few years. While some states have abolished the death penalty, others have resumed executions after long pauses.

Vietnam and Pakistan are believed to carry out capital punishment regularly, but due to government secrecy, exact figures are unavailable. Bangladesh issued 248 new death sentences in 2023, though the number of executions remains uncertain.

Global Reactions and the Future of the Death Penalty

Despite the rise in executions in several countries, global pressure to abolish capital punishment is increasing. The United Nations has called for a moratorium on executions, urging nations to move toward abolition. Some countries, such as Malaysia and Pakistan, have taken steps to limit the use of capital punishment, reflecting a growing trend of reform in parts of Asia.

As the divide between abolitionist and retentionist countries widens, the global debate over capital punishment remains contentious. While some governments defend executions as a deterrent to crime, human rights organizations continue to highlight concerns over wrongful convictions, lack of fair trials, and the inhumane nature of the death penalty.