Amnesty Reports Record High Global Executions, Africa Reevaluates Death Penalty

Amnesty International's latest report reveals that global executions have surged to their highest levels in nearly a decade, with 1,518 executions recorded in 2024, a 32% increase from the previous year. The majority of these executions occurred in Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, which collectively accounted for 91% of known executions. Despite this grim trend, the number of countries implementing the death penalty remains at a historic low of 15, indicating a broader decline in its use worldwide. In Africa, nations like Sierra Leone have abolished capital punishment, while others grapple with the legacy of colonialism and human rights norms. Amnesty's findings highlight the dichotomy between the rising execution numbers in certain regions and the decreasing global acceptance of the death penalty, with some countries, including the U.S., still actively carrying out executions. The report underscores the urgent need for international dialogue and action towards abolition, particularly in countries with high execution rates.