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Image: picture alliance/Wolfram SteinbergImage: picture alliance/Wolfram Steinberg

Death penalty

The death penalty, or capital punishment, is still widespread globally, with hundreds of people executed each year.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Gallows ropes shown at a protest in Germany in January 2020

Iranian prisoners protest against rising executions

Iranian prisoners protest against rising executions

Rights organizations say the number of executions in the country has increased by over 20% in the past year.
Law and JusticeOctober 10, 2024
Defendants accused of belonging to the attempted coup rebel group attend a verdict during the trial at Kinshasa's Ndolo prison in Kinshasa.

Death penalties handed down in Congo coup trial

Death penalties handed down in Congo coup trial

In the DRC, a military court has sentenced 37 defendants to death for attempting to overthrow the country's president.
Law and JusticeSeptember 14, 202401:42 min
Members of the activist group CodePink hold a poster that states Stop Saudi Executions

Saudi Arabia: Executions rise despite pledge to human rights

Saudi Arabia: Executions rise despite pledge to human rights

Human rights observers have recorded a 42% increase in executions, despite the kingdom's claims to modernization.
Human RightsJuly 21, 2024
A Taiwanese coast guard member looks at a Chinese coast guard ship

Could Taiwan's 'separatists' face death penalty in China?

Could Taiwan's 'separatists' face death penalty in China?

Beijing's new legal guidelines target what it describes as "a very small number" of "diehard" independence advocates.
ConflictsJuly 9, 2024
Two women holding up a sign that reads "Act now. Stop executions in Iran."

Iran: 'Western pressure can hinder executions'

Iran: 'Western pressure can hinder executions'

At least 853 people were executed in Iran last year. Human rights activists suspect the number was actually much higher.
Human RightsMay 29, 2024
Two ropes hang from a gallows in an execution room

Taiwan's death penalty and debate over constitutional rights

Taiwan's death penalty and debate over constitutional rights

Given strong public support for the death penalty, Taiwan may face staunch opposition to abolishing capital punishment.
Human RightsApril 24, 2024
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

A view shows the burnt-out Crocus City Hall with flowers and candles in the foreground

Could Moscow attack suspects face execution in Belarus?

Some Russian politicians want the Moscow terror attack suspects to stand trial in Belarus, which has the death penalty.
Law and JusticeApril 21, 2024
A noose is seen at a rally against the executions of protesters

Call for solidarity after Iran sees rise in executions

The UN deputy high commissioner for human rights is flying to Tehran to look into a recent spate of executions.
Human RightsFebruary 2, 2024
A female member of the Iranian police special force monitors an area, with only her eyes visible

Emboldened Iran silences critics as world looks elsewhere

In the shadow of the Israel-Gaza war, Iran's rulers are settling scores with internal critics.
Human RightsDecember 30, 2023
Narges Mohammadi with the cover of a book with title, 'White Torture,' in Persian.

Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi: Documenting Iran's torture

The work of Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi sheds light on human rights abuses suffered by Iran's political prisoners.
Human RightsOctober 6, 2023
Supporters of Shiite Muslim leader Moqtada Sadr step on a LGBTQ rainbow flag

Iraq debates law on death penalty for same-sex relationships

Critics argue a draft bill criminalizing homosexuality is just an attempt to distract locals from political problems.
Human RightsSeptember 7, 2023
Jamshid Sharmahd sitting in a court room in February 2002

German lawyers file criminal charges against Iranian judges

The daughter of German-Iranian citizen Jamshid Sharmahd has filed charges against eight members of Iran's judiciary.
Human RightsJune 21, 2023
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