The Number Of Executions And Death Sentences In The World Is Growing. In 2021, At Least 579 People Were Executed

Amnesty International has released a new, very worrying report that the number of executions and death sentences in the world is increasing. In 2021, at least 579 people were executed in 18 countries, with more than half executed in Iran. Compared to the previous year, this is a 20% increase.

The report shows that the number of executions carried out last year increased by as much as 20%. This may be due to the fact that courts around the world are returning to normal operations after the coronavirus pandemic and are no longer bound by restrictions. In 2021, at least 579 executions were carried out in 18 countries around the world.

The largest share of executions is in Iran, where at least 314 people were killed. The number of executions has also been doubled in Saudi Arabia, and the alarming trend is likely to continue in 2022. 81 people were executed in the Middle East in a single day in March. 

"Last year, Iran and Saudi Arabia increased the use of the death penalty again, despite its initial decline in 2020. States have thus shamelessly violated the prohibitions imposed by international human rights law. Their desire to employ the executioner did not slow down in the first months of this year either," said Amnesty Secretary General Agnès Callamard.

There are more and more executions in the world, but also more death sentences. At least 2,052 death sentences were handed out in 56 countries in the world in 2021, an increase of almost 40% compared to last year. Countries such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan have become more inclined to resort to the death penalty.

"These states have given the death penalty with outrageous enthusiasm, choosing it over the effort to find effective solution to crime. They have shown a heartless contempt for the right to life amid urgent global human rights crises," Callamard added.