Every year, thousands of people around the world are sentenced to death following conviction for various crimes. Following are the 10 countries with the most death penalty executions per year. Figures are for 2014, and mainly based on those provided by Amnesty International, an organization that monitors human rights and law issues, to include executions. As you will see, in most countries accurate numbers are often impossible to find because many omit this issue. Source: petsinclude.com
10. JORDAN – 11 PLAYS A YEAR
Until the last year Jordan had instituted an 8-year moratorium on executions. Then, in December 2014, the country executed 11 men who had been convicted of murder in 2005 and 2006. All men were hanged, which is the current method of execution for the Middle East country. While the murder is cited as the main reason for death sentences and executions, terrorism-related charges may, and have, led to further executions in the country.
9. SOMALIA – OVER 14 PLAYS A YEAR
Given the often chaotic situation and lack of order in Somalia sometimes, the actual number of executions is difficult to find. That said, Amnesty International can confirm at least 14, but the odds are that the number is much higher. The two biggest crimes that led to the execution in Somalia are murder and adultery. Judgments are made by hanging, shooting or, under special circumstances, stoning .
8. EGYPT – OVER 15 PLAYS PER YEAR
In the year 2014, Egypt executed 15 people. Under Egyptian law, the death penalty is reserved for those who commit acts of murder, rape, terrorism, or drug-related crimes. Traditional and ancient methods of execution generally included beheading and drowning on the Nile, but these were eventually replaced. For civilians, hanging is used as the primary method of execution, while the doomed military faces the firing squad.
7. SUDAN – OVER 23 PLAYS A YEAR
In all likelihood, the official number of executions is much higher than the recognized 23. The death penalty can be passed on to normal charges of murder, adultery, and terrorism-related crimes. Gun smuggling, armed robbery and prostitution can also lead to sentencing. The preferred method of execution is by hanging or potentially by the same method with which the convict performed the crime. Stoning is also used and involves burying the condemned to his chest with his joined and bound hands.
6. YEMEN – OVER 23 PLAYS A YEAR
Tied with Sudan, the small Middle Eastern country has executed at least 23 people in the past year. While stoning is mentioned as a possible form of execution, in practice it is much more common to use shooting. Potential acts that can lead to capital punishment include murder, terrorism, treason and drug trafficking. Executions are often public and involve the convict or being shot in the heart or behind the head. And then it is not unheard of for the body to be crucified and put on display as a warning to others.
5. USA – 35 RUNS PER YEAR
Of the 50, 31 U.S. states penalties leads to the death penalty. In extraordinary circumstances, the Federal Government and Army may impose the death penalty for crimes committed in the states without capital punishment. The death penalty is applicable in cases of murder, terrorism, espionage and drug trafficking. The preferred method of execution is by lethal injection, but some states still have the option of using the electric chair, firing squad, and hanging and gas chamber.
4. IRAQ – OVER 61 PLAYS A YEAR
Between 2004 and 2013, Iraq reportedly executed around 450 people. Given the instability and turbulence experienced in the country at that time, this number is not surprising. In the past year, the country has seen at least 61 executions confirmed by crimes such as murder, terrorism-related charges and drug trafficking. The official method of execution for those receiving the death penalty in Iraq is by hanging.
3. SAUDI ARABIA – OVER 90 PLAYS A YEAR
This Middle Eastern country has killed at least 90 people in the past year, although chances are there have been more than a few undisclosed or secret executions. Saudi Arabia’s preferred method of execution is sword beheading. Executions can be public and are tried for a wide range of crimes, although drug-related crimes are one of the biggest reasons. From violent crimes such as homicide and armed robbery to nonviolent crimes, including homosexuality, atheism and witchcraft, the death penalty is applied to a wide range of violations.
2. IRAN – OVER 289 PLAYS PER YEAR
While Iran disputes Amnesty International’s figures, most outside observers agree that 289 is a conservative estimate. Under Iranian law, the death penalty can be tried for everything from murder and terrorism to sodomy and adultery. In terms of methods of execution, stoning has been mentioned from time to time in the Western press. In fact, the practice of using a firing squad or death by hanging are the most likely methods of determining those sentenced to death.
1. CHINA – OVER 1000 PLAYS A YEAR
When you have a country of well over one billion people and are still enforcing the death penalty, you would expect a high number of executions. That said, China maintains tight control over execution-related numbers, so precise numbers are impossible to come close to. Organizations, such as Amnesty International, work to gather possible information . The result is a very conservative estimate that China executed at least 1000 of its citizens last year. This number is probably much higher given the wide range of crimes punishable by death. From the low-ranking criminal to the organized crime-related millionaire to the factory owner who produces a defective or dangerous item, China has shown that it has limited tolerance for those who violate the country’s laws.
