China Leading The World With Record Number Of Executions

According to a recent report from human rights group Amnesty International, 2015 saw a huge rise in the number of executions globally, the highest total since 1989. At least 1,634 people were executed worldwide with 90 percent of that number occurring in just three countries: Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

According to Amnesty International executions in Saudi Arabia shot up by 76% compared to 2014; at least 158 people were put to death in 2015. Meanwhile, Iran executed at least 977 people, mainly for drug-related crimes.

Amnesty International reports countries used various methods to kill people using hanging, shooting, lethal injection and beheading. Amnesty said they did this with cold efficiency, driving the number of executions up by more than half, compared to 2014.

China and North Korea’s precise numbers are a state secret. However, Amnesty still believes China executes thousands every year, making it the world’s top executioner. Despite the spike in executions, Amnesty reported that there is still some hope with four countries expunging the death penalty for good last year.

You will find more statistics at Statista