KABUL: Amnesty International has reported a sharp rise in executions worldwide in 2025, describing the figures as the highest recorded level since 1981, with Iran and Saudi Arabia topping the list.
In a report released Sunday night, the rights group said Iran carried out 2,159 executions, the highest number among the countries surveyed, while Saudi Arabia ranked second with 356 executions.
According to the report, executions also increased significantly in several other countries, including Kuwait, where the number rose from six to 17, Egypt from 13 to 23, Singapore from nine to 17, and the United States from 25 to 47.
Amnesty International noted that the published figures do not include the “thousands” of executions believed to have taken place in China during 2025, which the organization described as the world’s leading executioner.
“In total, executions have increased by 78 percent after at least 1,518 cases were recorded in 2024,” the report said, adding that no executions were recorded in the European Union or Central Asian countries during 2025.
Executions are the last form of punishment in judicial systems around the world.
Amnesty reports sharp rise in Global Executions, with Iran and Saudi Arabia at top of list
