News Center – At a time when human rights concerns are escalating regarding the future of justice around the world, reports are increasing that monitor the expanded use of the death penalty in several countries, amid repeated calls to review legislation and enhance legal guarantees to protect the right to life.

The world recorded its highest execution tally since 1981 during 2025, according to a new report by Amnesty International, issued today, Monday, May 18, which recorded 2,707 executions in 17 countries, driven by a sharp rise in executions carried out in Iran.

The report explained that Iran carried out 2,159 death sentences during the same year – more than double the number recorded in 2024 – making it the largest contributor to the global increase. It pointed out that these figures do not include thousands of executions in China, where authorities continue to impose a complete blackout on data, making it, according to the organization, "the world's number one executioner."

The report links this escalation to the tightening of the security grip and the suppression of civil liberties, noting that Iran intensified the implementation of the penalty following the January protests and the war with the United States and Israel, including cases related to recent protests and affiliation with banned groups.

Other countries also witnessed a notable increase, including Saudi Arabia (356), Yemen (51), Egypt (23), and Kuwait (17). In the United States, the number of executions reached 47, the highest figure since 2009, while Singapore recorded its highest tally since 2003.