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Death penalty

The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, refers to the practice by states of putting a person to death for committing certain crimes.

Dozens of countries still use executions as a punishment for certain offenses, although most, including those in the European Union, have abolished it completely. Many people consider the death penalty a violation of human rights. Here you can find an automatic compilation of all DW content on the death penalty.

Japan Hinrichtung Chinese PK

Japan executes first foreigner in a decade 26.12.2019

A Chinese man has been executed for murdering a Japanese family of four during a botched robbery. Japanese officials described the tragedy as an "extremely cruel and brutal case."
Jamal Khashoggi

Saudi court sentences five to death over Khashoggi killing 23.12.2019

The UN, along with a number of states, have questioned whether the investigation was thorough enough. Three others received lengthy prison sentences, in addition to those given the death penalty.
Pakistan Ex-Präsident Pervez Musharraf

Opinion: A clear message to the Pakistani military 17.12.2019

A court has handed the death sentence to ex-ruler Pervez Musharraf. Although the capital punishment must be opposed, the verdict is a warning to the military that it must stay out of politics, says DW's Shamil Shams.
US Supreme Court in Washington DC

US Supreme Court blocks Trump bid to resume federal executions 07.12.2019

The US Supreme Court sided with lower courts to keep executions of federal inmates temporarily on hold. The decision spoiled the Trump administration's plan to execute five federal inmates in the coming weeks.
Marokko Sale Urteil im Prozess um Ermordung skandinavischer Touristinnen

Morocco backpacker murders: Court confirms death penalty for killers 31.10.2019

An appeals court in Morocco has confirmed death sentences handed down to three men for the beheading of two Scandinavian tourists in the Atlas Mountains. The murders last year shocked the North African country.

Symbolbild LGBT Homosexualität Afrika

Uganda detains 16 LGBT+ activists under anti-gay law 24.10.2019

The men were subject to forced anal examinations by police and detained on suspicion of engaging in homosexual acts. Gay sex is punishable by life in prison in Uganda and there are plans to introduce the death penalty.
Iran Todesstrafe

UN criticizes Iran's use of death penalty against minors 24.10.2019

The United Nations expert for monitoring human rights in Iran criticized the Tehran government for its use of the death penalty against minors. Two people aged under 18 have been executed by the state so far this year.
Uganda Entebbe | LGBT Pride Feier

Uganda introduces 'Kill the Gays' bill 11.10.2019

Ugandan lawmakers have re-introduced a bill that could impose the death penalty for gay sex acts. The proposed bill will also criminalize the "promotion and recruitment" of homosexuality.
Guatemala Giammattei ruft sich zum Gewinner der Präsidentenwahl aus

Guatemala: Alejandro Giammattei wins presidential vote 12.08.2019

Alejandro Giammattei has won victory in Guatemala's presidential runoff, the electoral commission says. He has pledged to fight crime with the death penalty and limit reproductive freedoms and equality for LGBTQ+ people.
Iran: Mohammad-Ali Najafi

Iran sentences Tehran's ex-mayor to death 30.07.2019

The reformist politician had confessed to fatally shooting his second wife and leaving her body in a bathtub. The victim's family called for "eye for an eye"-like punishment, saying he should be executed for her murder.

DW Business Africa Sendungslogo

DW Business Africa 26.07.2019

Migrant Shipwreck - US Death Penalty - Europe's Heat Wave
USA Gefängnis in Lucasville

US brings back death penalty for federal inmates 25.07.2019

The US government will execute its first federal inmate in nearly two decades before the end of the year. Attorney General William Barr said the decision was meant to uphold "the rule of law."
Pakistan Islamabad Kulbhushan Jadhav

Kulbhushan Jadhav: UN court orders Pakistan to review Indian 'spy' death sentence 17.07.2019

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Pakistan to review the death penalty for the former Indian navy commander. New Delhi had complained of an unfair trial and sought the ICJ's intervention.
Rechtsextremer Terror USA Charlottesville Heather Heyer Anschlag Trauer

Charlottesville white supremacist gets second life sentence 15.07.2019

James Fields Jr. was convicted on state charges over the death of Heather Heyer and causing dozens of injuries. He had avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to hate crime charges.
Deutschland Volksmodjahedin in Berlin

Thousands in Berlin protest Iran's political repression 06.07.2019

Opponents of Iran's theocratic government have rallied in Berlin to protest the country's human rights record. They urged potential investors not to support the regime and said the West should not do deals with Tehran.
Iran, Exekution

Iran defends execution of gay people 12.06.2019

The US and Germany have condemned Iran after its foreign minister defended the policy of execution for homosexuality. The issue erupted after a pointed question from a German reporter.
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