Death Penalty

The death penalty in Europe and Central Asia in 2008

Europe has the potential to become the first death penalty-free region of the world.

The death penalty in Asia in 2008

More people were executed in Asia in 2008 than in the rest of the world put together. At least 1,838 (76 per cent) of all total reported executions were carried out by Asian states.

New Mexico abolishes the death penalty - 19 March 2009

The Governor of New Mexico signed into law a bill, abolishing the death penalty in his state, on Wednesday evening.

The death penalty in the Americas in 2008

During 2008, 38 executions were known to have been carried out in the Americas – 37 in the USA and one in the twin island state of St Kitts and Nevis.

The death penalty in sub-Saharan Africa in 2008

In 2008 in sub-Saharan Africa, there were at least two known executions carried out - in Botswana (1) and Sudan (at least one).

The death penalty in 2008

In 2008, at least 2,390 people were known to have been executed in 25 countries and at least 8,864 people were sentenced to death in 52 countries around the world.

Iraq urged to stop the execution of 128 prisoners on death row - 13 March 2009

Reports say that the Iraqi authorities plan to start executing the prisoners in batches of 20 this week. Last year at least 285 people were sentenced to death and at l

Amnesty International to publish 2008 global death penalty statistics - 19 March 2009

On Tuesday 24 March Amnesty International will publish its global death penalty statistics, looking at how many people were executed or sentenced to death across the w

Iraq: 128 face execution in batches of 20 - 12 March 2009

Amnesty International today called for the immediate intervention of Iraq’s Justice Minister to stop the execution of 128 prisoners on death row, amid reports th

Human rights activists still face repression in the Middle East and North Africa - 11 March 2009

A new Amnesty International report details numerous cases of intimidation, harassment, threats, detention without trial, torture and long prison terms after unfair tr