Death Sentences and Executions 2024

In 2024, global executions surged to a record level, with 1,518 people executed across 15 countries. This marked the highest figure since 2015. Amnesty International’s report brought into light a disturbing trend where nations are using the death penalty as a means to suppress dissent and punish minorities. The report, titled “Death Sentences and Executions 2024,” revealed that the death penalty is increasingly seen as a tool of fear rather than justice.

Execution Statistics by Country

The Middle East led the increase in executions. Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq accounted for 91% of all known executions. Iran executed at least 972 individuals, a rise from the previous year. Saudi Arabia’s executions doubled to 345, while Iraq saw increase from 16 to 63 executions. Together, these three countries were responsible for 1,380 executions.

Human Rights Violations

The report detailed serious human rights violations associated with these executions. In Iran, the death penalty was used to quell dissent following the Woman Life Freedom protests. Reports indicated unfair trials and torture-tainted confessions. Saudi Arabia faced criticism for executing members of the Shi’a minority for historical anti-government protests.

Global Context and Trends

China topped the global execution list, followed by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Yemen. The United States also witnessed a rise in executions, with 25 recorded in 2024. Amnesty International challenged the narrative that the death penalty serves as a deterrent to crime, arguing that it is often misused for political purposes.

Drug-Related Executions

A concern raised by Amnesty was the number of executions linked to drug-related offences, which accounted for over 40% of all executions in 2024. International human rights law restricts the death penalty to the most serious crimes, and drug offences do not meet this criterion. Countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia continue to impose death sentences for drug crimes, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged individuals.

Global Abolition Movements

Despite the rise in executions, the number of countries carrying them out remains low at 15. A total of 113 countries have abolished the death penalty. Zimbabwe recently became the latest country to abolish it for ordinary crimes. The UN General Assembly has also passed resolutions advocating for a moratorium on the death penalty, with support from member states.

Reforms and Progress

In Malaysia, reforms led to over 1,000 individuals being removed from death row. These developments indicate a growing movement towards abolition and reform in capital punishment practices worldwide.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the implications of using the death penalty as a political tool in contemporary societies.
2. Examine the role of international human rights law in regulating capital punishment across different countries.
3. Analyse the impact of drug-related offences on the application of the death penalty in various jurisdictions.
4. Point out the significance of global abolition movements in shaping national policies on capital punishment.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the implications of using the death penalty as a political tool in contemporary societies.

1. Countries increasingly use the death penalty to suppress dissent and control populations.
2. High-profile cases often involve unfair trials, torture, and politically motivated charges.
3. Execution rates in countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia reflect state repression rather than justice.
4. The death penalty is misrepresented as a deterrent, undermining its legitimacy as a judicial measure.
5. International condemnation and human rights violations arise from politicized executions, affecting global perceptions.

2. Examine the role of international human rights law in regulating capital punishment across different countries.

1. International human rights law limits the death penalty to the “most serious crimes,” excluding drug offenses.
2. Human rights organizations advocate for abolition, influencing national laws and practices.
3. Resolutions by bodies like the UN General Assembly call for moratoriums on capital punishment.
4. Countries that violate these norms face international scrutiny and potential sanctions.
5. Legal frameworks vary widely, with some nations enacting reforms while others reinforce punitive measures.

3. Analyse the impact of drug-related offences on the application of the death penalty in various jurisdictions.

1. Over 40% of executions in 2024 were linked to drug-related offenses, denoting a troubling trend.
2. Countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia impose harsh penalties for drug crimes, often targeting marginalized groups.
3. International law states drug offenses do not meet the threshold for capital punishment.
4. The misuse of the death penalty for drug crimes raises ethical concerns and questions about justice.
5. Calls for reform are growing as public awareness of these injustices increases globally.

4. Point out the significance of global abolition movements in shaping national policies on capital punishment.

1. Abolition movements have led to decrease in the number of countries executing individuals.
2. 113 countries have abolished the death penalty, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards capital punishment.
3. International campaigns and advocacy influence national legislation and promote human rights standards.
4. The UN’s resolutions support moratoriums, encouraging countries to reconsider their execution practices.
5. Recent reforms, such as in Malaysia and Zimbabwe, demonstrate the impact of abolitionist movements on policy changes.