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Image: picture alliance/Wolfram SteinbergImage: picture alliance/Wolfram Steinberg

Death penalty

The death penalty, or capital punishment, is still widespread globally, with hundreds of people executed each year.

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All Content on this topic

South Carolina Department of Communciations officials at press conference on Sept 20, 2024.

South Carolina Department of Communciations officials at press conference on Sept 20, 2024.

South Carolina carries out first execution in 13 years

South Carolina has executed a man who was convicted of murder in 1999, marking the US' 14th execution this year.

Defendants accused of belonging to the attempted coup rebel group attend a verdict during the trial at Kinshasa's Ndolo prison in Kinshasa.

Defendants accused of belonging to the attempted coup rebel group attend a verdict during the trial at Kinshasa's Ndolo prison in Kinshasa.

Death penalties handed down in Congo coup trial

In the DRC, a military court has sentenced 37 defendants to death for attempting to overthrow the country's president.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe

DW Podcast | Inside Europe

Inside Europe August 1 2024

France steps up security after the rail sabotage, our man in Paris reviews the Olympics' first week, swimming in the polluted Seine river and Turkey wants to cull millions of street dogs. Also: Belarus pardons a German man sentenced to death for terrorism, Italy's anti-abortion law riles rights groups, were the London 2012 Olympics value for money? And how Toledo is drawing crowds this summer.

A prison cell window behind barbed wire in Minsk, Belarus

A prison cell window behind barbed wire in Minsk, Belarus

German sentenced to death in Belarus asks for pardon on TV

A German citizen who was sentenced to death in Belarus has asked for mercy in a video broadcast on state television.

Members of the activist group CodePink hold a poster that states Stop Saudi Executions

Members of the activist group CodePink hold a poster that states Stop Saudi Executions

Saudi Arabia: Executions rise despite pledge to human rights

Human rights observers have recorded a 42% increase in executions, despite the kingdom's claims to modernization.

A prison cell window behind barbed wire, in Minsk, Belarus, on August 18, 2010

A prison cell window behind barbed wire, in Minsk, Belarus, on August 18, 2010

Belarus sentences German man to death for 'terrorism'

A court in Minsk ordered the execution of Rico K. after he was found guilty of terrorism and mercenary activities.

A Taiwanese coast guard member looks at a Chinese coast guard ship

A Taiwanese coast guard member looks at a Chinese coast guard ship

Could Taiwan's 'separatists' face death penalty in China?

Beijing's new legal guidelines target what it describes as "a very small number" of "diehard" independence advocates.

Black-and white printout of Iranian pro-opposition rapper Toomaj Salehi held up at protest in Paris, France

Black-and white printout of Iranian pro-opposition rapper Toomaj Salehi held up at protest in Paris, France

Iran overturns death penalty for rapper Toomaj Salehi

Toomaj Salehi was jailed after supporting widespread protests sparked by the death of Jina Mahsa Amini.

A protester with a blindfold and rope around his neck holds a placard calling for the ablishment of the death penalty.

A protester with a blindfold and rope around his neck holds a placard calling for the ablishment of the death penalty.

Why the death penalty is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa

In 2023, Amnesty International recorded more death sentences in Africa despite calls to abolish capital punishment.

Two women holding up a sign that reads "Act now. Stop executions in Iran."

Two women holding up a sign that reads "Act now. Stop executions in Iran."

Iran: 'Western pressure can hinder executions'

At least 853 people were executed in Iran last year. Human rights activists suspect the number was actually much higher.

Two ropes hang from a gallows in an execution room

Two ropes hang from a gallows in an execution room

Taiwan's death penalty and debate over constitutional rights

Given strong public support for the death penalty, Taiwan may face staunch opposition to abolishing capital punishment.

A view shows the burnt-out Crocus City Hall with flowers and candles in the foreground

A view shows the burnt-out Crocus City Hall with flowers and candles in the foreground

Could Moscow attack suspects face execution in Belarus?

Some Russian politicians want the Moscow terror attack suspects to stand trial in Belarus, which has the death penalty.

A photo released by the Federal Public Defender, shows inmate Brian Dorsey at the Potosi Correctional Center, Washington County, Missouri.

A photo released by the Federal Public Defender, shows inmate Brian Dorsey at the Potosi Correctional Center, Washington County, Missouri.

Missouri executes convicted killer despite clemency appeals

Convicted murderer Brian Dorsey's execution is the first in Missouri this year and the fifth nationwide.

A noose is seen at a rally against the executions of protesters

A noose is seen at a rally against the executions of protesters

Call for solidarity after Iran sees rise in executions

The UN deputy high commissioner for human rights is flying to Tehran to look into a recent spate of executions.

USA Erster Stickstoff-Hinrichtung in Alabama

USA Erster Stickstoff-Hinrichtung in Alabama

Nitrogen gas used to execute Alabama prisoner

Kenneth Eugene Smith had previously endured an unsuccessful execution attempt by lethal injection.

Police waiting outside the Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama

Police waiting outside the Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama

Alabama executes man using nitrogen gas for first time

The prisoner's lawyers attempted to block the execution by arguing that it was an inhumane and experimental punishment.

Execution chamber

Execution chamber

Alabama's new execution method: What is nitrogen hypoxia?

A man in the US may become the first to be executed by nitrogen hypoxia. Here's what you need to know.

The burnt out studio building with a charred exterior

The burnt out studio building with a charred exterior

Japan: Man sentenced to death over deadly anime studio fire

The arson attack at an animation studio that killed dozens was Japan's deadliest crime in decades.

A female member of the Iranian police special force monitors an area, with only her eyes visible

A female member of the Iranian police special force monitors an area, with only her eyes visible

Emboldened Iran silences critics as world looks elsewhere

In the shadow of the Israel-Gaza war, Iran's rulers are settling scores with internal critics.

Symbolbild Galgen

Symbolbild Galgen

Should all African countries abolish the death penalty?

Human rights groups want the death penalty to be abolished globally. Should all of Africa abolish the death penalty?

A view of several empty nooses hanging against a darkening sky, with a row of silhouettes of people standing in the background

A view of several empty nooses hanging against a darkening sky, with a row of silhouettes of people standing in the background

Why do some African countries still have the death penalty?

Amnesty International reported 883 executions in 20 countries in 2022, marking a 53% increase since 2021.

Narges Mohammadi with the cover of a book with title, 'White Torture,' in Persian.

Narges Mohammadi with the cover of a book with title, 'White Torture,' in Persian.

Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi: Documenting Iran's torture

The work of Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi sheds light on human rights abuses suffered by Iran's political prisoners.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at a summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at a summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Saudi Arabia on 'relentless killing spree,' NGO says

Saudi authorities have executed at least 100 people this year, Amnesty International reports.

Supporters of Shiite Muslim leader Moqtada Sadr step on a LGBTQ rainbow flag

Supporters of Shiite Muslim leader Moqtada Sadr step on a LGBTQ rainbow flag

Iraq debates law on death penalty for same-sex relationships

Critics argue a draft bill criminalizing homosexuality is just an attempt to distract locals from political problems.

A gay Ugandan man covers himself with a pride flag as he poses for a photograph in Uganda

A gay Ugandan man covers himself with a pride flag as he poses for a photograph in Uganda

Ugandan could face death penalty under anti-gay law

Ugandan authorities have charged a 20-year-old man with "aggravated homosexuality" under the country's new anti-gay law.

Prison with bars and open cell door in Singapore

Prison with bars and open cell door in Singapore

Singapore executes woman for first time in almost 20 years

Singapore is one of four countries that have recently executed defendants for drug-related charges.

Jamshid Sharmahd sitting in a court room in February 2002

Jamshid Sharmahd sitting in a court room in February 2002

German lawyers file criminal charges against Iranian judges

The daughter of German-Iranian citizen Jamshid Sharmahd has filed charges against eight members of Iran's judiciary.

Photos of Majid Kazemi, Saleh Mirhashemi and Saeed Yaghoubi who were put to death by Iran on May 19, 2023

Photos of Majid Kazemi, Saleh Mirhashemi and Saeed Yaghoubi who were put to death by Iran on May 19, 2023

Iran executes 3 men linked to Amini protests

The three apparently took part in protests over the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, who was detained by the morality police.

Protests featuring nooses and the Iranian flag in Iran

Protests featuring nooses and the Iranian flag in Iran

Death penalty: Executions at highest rate in five years

At least 883 people were executed worldwide in 2022, says Amnesty International — many of them in Iran and Saudi Arabia.

A gallows and noose adored with red roses

A gallows and noose adored with red roses

UN says Iran has executed over 200 people this year

The UN human rights commissioner has slammed the Iranian regime's 'abominable' record on capital punishment.

Jamshid Sharmahd looks down

Jamshid Sharmahd looks down

EU slams Iran over death penalty for German-Iranian citizen

Jamshid Sharmahd has been in jail since 2020. Activists and politicians condemned the trial and the allegations.

Jamshid Sharmahd attends the first hearing of his trial in the capital Tehran on February 6, 2022

Jamshid Sharmahd attends the first hearing of his trial in the capital Tehran on February 6, 2022

Iran confirms death sentence of German dual national

Germany has called on Tehran to "immediately reverse" the death sentence against Jamshid Sharmahd.

Tangaraju Suppiah's family

Tangaraju Suppiah's family

Singapore executes man for cannabis trafficking

Singapore has some of the world's toughest anti-drug laws and sees the death penalty as a deterrent against trafficking.

A demonstration by opponents of the regime in Tehran calls for solidarity with the opposition in Iran and abolition of the death penalty.

A demonstration by opponents of the regime in Tehran calls for solidarity with the opposition in Iran and abolition of the death penalty.

Iran executed 582 people in 2022, rights groups say

Two rights groups said the number of those executed in 2022 was 75% higher than the toll from 2021.

A protester in Malaysia holds a sign that reads: "Stop the execution"

A protester in Malaysia holds a sign that reads: "Stop the execution"

Malaysia scraps mandatory death penalty

Judges will have the option to impose alternative punishments such as lengthy prison sentences or whipping.

A portrait of dissident Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi is seen being held up during a human rights demonstration.

A portrait of dissident Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi is seen being held up during a human rights demonstration.

Iran: Jailed rapper Toomaj Salehi could face death penalty

The jailed rapper was a public supporter of the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement. Friends believe he has been tortured.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko at a ceremony for graduates of military colleges

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko at a ceremony for graduates of military colleges

Belarus approves death penalty for high treason

The Belarusian leader signed a law imposing the death penalty on civil servants and army personnel convicted of treason.

Hangman's knot on a rustic wooden table in a conceptual image of death penalty

Hangman's knot on a rustic wooden table in a conceptual image of death penalty

India refuses to abolish death penalty

Many believe capital punishment is needed to deter serious crimes, though critics have disputed this claim

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen address a joint press conference

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen address a joint press conference

Germany tells Israel death penalty would be a mistake

Meeting her counterpart, Germany's foreign minister said Israel should abandon a plan to start executing terrorists.

Jamshid Sharmahd speaks during his first court appearance in Tehran

Jamshid Sharmahd speaks during his first court appearance in Tehran

Daughter urges Berlin to prevent German-Iranian's execution

Iranian-German dual national Jamshid Sharmahd's daughter has told DW that Germany should have intervened earlier.

A US protester holds up a red sign with white letters reading: It is not OK to execute the innocent

A US protester holds up a red sign with white letters reading: It is not OK to execute the innocent

Poor Kenyans likely to end up on death row: study

Kenya's death penalty disproportionately affects people in low-income households. Many lack proper legal representation.

A noose hangs in front of the Iranian flag

A noose hangs in front of the Iranian flag

Iran protesters fight death penalty as executions await

Resistance is growing against Iran's plans to execute more participants in the ongoing nationwide protests.

This photo provided by the Federal Public Defender Office shows death row inmate Amber McLaughlin.

This photo provided by the Federal Public Defender Office shows death row inmate Amber McLaughlin.

US executes first transgender woman for murder

The woman was found guilty of killing an ex-girlfriend long before she transitioned.

Saman Yasin

Saman Yasin

Iran's top court orders retrial for rapper on death row

Kurdish Iranian rapper Saman Yasin was sentenced to death on charges that include attempting to kill security forces.

Three hangmen's nooses dangle in front of an Iranian flag at a demonstration in Cologne

Three hangmen's nooses dangle in front of an Iranian flag at a demonstration in Cologne

Majority of Iranians oppose the death penalty

Despite criticism at home and abroad, the Iranian government holds firm on Revolutionary Courts and death sentences.

Investigators examine the wrecked cockpit of the Pan Am aircraft in Scotland

Investigators examine the wrecked cockpit of the Pan Am aircraft in Scotland

Lockerbie bombing: No death penalty for accused Libyan

The alleged Libyan agent was charged with terrorism over the Pan Am blast in 1988, but would not face a death penalty.

Hangman's knot on a rustic wooden table

Hangman's knot on a rustic wooden table

Taliban stages first public execution since takeover

Afghanistan's ultra-conservative leadership says it has conducted the first public execution since its return to power.

Closed Iranian shops

Closed Iranian shops

Iran: Businesses go on strike amid regime crackdown

Shops have shut their doors after an announced three-day protest action.

File picture of Iranian police prepare a public execution in 2007

File picture of Iranian police prepare a public execution in 2007

Iran executes 4 accused of working for Israel

The four people who were put to death were convicted for "intelligence cooperation" with Israel.

Two women wearing loose headscarves smiling for the camera

Two women wearing loose headscarves smiling for the camera

Iran: Jailed female journalists face regime's smear tactics

More female journalists are behind bars in Iran than ever before, many of them without charges.