The number of executions worldwide rose sharply in 2025, reaching its highest level since 1981, driven largely by a surge in Iran, according to Amnesty International’s annual report released today.
The London‑based human rights organisation recorded at least 2,707 executions globally in 2025. However, this figure does not include the thousands believed to have taken place in China, which Amnesty identifies as the country carrying out the highest number of executions worldwide.
Globally, executions increased by 78% compared to the previous year, marking the highest recorded level since 1981, when 3,191 executions were documented, excluding China.
Iran accounted for around 80% of all executions recorded in 2025. At least 2,159 people were executed, primarily by hanging, compared to 972 in 2024.
According to the report, Iranian authorities intensified their use of the death penalty as a “tool of repression and political control,” leading to an unprecedented rise in executions.
The increase accelerated after the 12‑day war launched by Israel and the United States against Iran in June. A total of 654 executions took place before the conflict, followed by a further 1,505 between July and December.
Executions carried out after protests in January and following the outbreak of war in the Middle East on 28 February are not included in the NGO’s data.
The United Nations has reported that at least 21 people have been executed in Iran since late February for political reasons or cases linked to national security.
Nearly half of Iran’s executions in 2025, totalling 998, were related to drug offences, also marking a sharp increase compared to the previous year.
Saudi Arabia carried out 356 executions, Yemen at least 51, the United States 47, Egypt 23, while Somalia, Singapore and Kuwait each recorded 17. In total, executions were carried out in 17 countries worldwide.
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard stated that this “shameless minority” of countries is using the death penalty to instil fear, suppress dissent and demonstrate state power over marginalised groups and vulnerable communities.
