AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

EMBARGO: 24 March 2009 00:01 GMT

AI index: ACT 50/008/2009

Death Sentences and Executions in 2008- In Numbers

On 24 March 2009 Amnesty International publishes Death Sentences and Executions in 2008, which provides a world overview on the death penalty. The report found that between January and December 2008*:

At least 2390 peoplewere executed in 25 countries

On average 7people were executed everyday around the world

At least 8864peoplewere sentenced to death in 52 countries

5countries carried out 93%of all executions

(China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the USA)

Methods used included:BEHEADING, STONING, HANGING, LETHAL INJECTION, SHOOTING, and ELECTROCUTION

59countries retain the death penalty

Two thirdsofcountries in the world have abolished the death penalty in law or practice

1country in Europe continues to execute people - Belarus

Iran executed 8prisoners who were under 18 at the time of the offence – a flagrant breach of international law

* A copy of Amnesty International’s report Death Sentences and Executions in 2008 will be available from 24 March 2009 00:01 GMT on ADD LINK.

Also available are a number of case studies of people who were executed during 2008 or who are currently on death row.

Amnesty International’s spokespeople are available for interviews in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Josefina Salomón P:+44 207 413 5562, M:+44 7778 472 116, jsalomon@amnesty.org

Tom Mackey P:+44 207 413 5810, + 44 7793 902 348tom.mackey@amnesty.org