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What factors have contributed to the rise in global executions?
The increase in global executions is largely attributed to political repression, particularly in countries like Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. These nations have utilized capital punishment as a means to silence dissent and punish political opposition, especially in the wake of protests and movements advocating for human rights.
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Which countries are leading in execution rates and why?
Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia are the leading countries in execution rates, accounting for 91% of the global total. Iran alone executed 972 individuals in 2024, many of whom were involved in political dissent. This trend reflects a broader strategy of using the death penalty to suppress opposition and maintain control.
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How does the current execution rate compare to previous years?
The 2024 report from Amnesty International indicates that global executions reached 1,518, the highest number in a decade. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, highlighting a troubling resurgence in the use of capital punishment despite a record low number of countries carrying out executions.
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What are the implications of these trends on human rights?
The rise in executions raises serious concerns about human rights violations, particularly the right to life and freedom of expression. The use of the death penalty to target political dissenters undermines democratic principles and poses a threat to activists and ordinary citizens alike, prompting calls for global action against capital punishment.
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How many countries still practice capital punishment?
Despite the alarming rise in executions, the number of countries that actively carry out capital punishment remains at an all-time low, with only 15 nations executing individuals. This paradox highlights the ongoing struggle between human rights advocates and governments that continue to employ the death penalty as a tool of repression.