Iran doubled executions in 2025 as global death penalty use hit 44-year high
In 2025, Iran significantly increased its use of the death penalty, contributing to a global rise in executions to the highest level since 1981. Amnesty International reported that at least 2,707 executions occurred worldwide, with Iran accounting for over 2,159 of these. The report highlights a concerning trend, as several countries, including Saudi Arabia and the U.S., also saw increases in their execution rates.
- ▪The global use of the death penalty reached a 44-year high in 2025.
- ▪Iran's annual execution rate more than doubled, with at least 2,159 executions reported.
- ▪Excluding China, documented executions increased by 78% from the previous year.
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World Iran more than doubled executions in 2025 as global use of the death penalty hit 44-year high, report says By Emily Mae Czachor Emily Mae Czachor News Editor Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She typically covers breaking news, extreme weather and issues involving social justice. Emily Mae previously wrote for outlets like the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek. Read Full Bio Emily Mae Czachor Updated on: May 18, 2026 / 7:18 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google The use of the death penalty skyrocketed last year, with documented executions reaching a worldwide high not seen since 1981, a new report found.
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