In 2025, Saudi Arabia set a record with 356 executions, mainly related to drug offenses, marking the second consecutive year of high execution numbers amid ongoing criticism over human rights and the use of capital punishment.
The number of executions in Iran is projected to more than double in 2025 compared to 2024, with at least 1,500 verified executions so far in 2025, mainly for murder and drug offenses, amid increased repression following protests and regional conflicts.
Saudi Arabia has set a new record with at least 347 executions in 2025, mostly for drug-related offences, sparking condemnation from human rights groups due to concerns over fairness, transparency, and the use of torture.
Fighters from the RSF militia in Sudan have been documented executing unarmed civilians after capturing the city of el-Fasher, with credible reports and videos showing summary killings, raising concerns of war crimes amid ongoing conflict between RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces.
Graphic videos and reports suggest Hamas is conducting public executions of individuals suspected of collaborating with Israel in Gaza, as part of a security campaign following a ceasefire, though verification of specific details remains challenging. The international community has raised concerns about unlawful conduct and potential war crimes.
US President Trump has threatened to violently disarm Hamas amid ongoing violence and internal conflicts in Gaza, where Hamas is consolidating control through displays of force and public executions, amidst tensions with armed clans and Israeli support for other groups. The situation reflects a complex power struggle in Gaza, with international implications for security and aid delivery.
Violent clashes in Gaza have led to a gruesome public execution of eight men by masked fighters, amid ongoing tensions and security operations following Israel's withdrawal, raising concerns about human rights violations and the stability of the region.
Following the release of Israeli hostages, Hamas publicly executed several individuals in Gaza accused of treason and collaboration, amid ongoing internal clashes and external pressures, including limited support from Israel and internal power struggles among militias and clans.
Iran executed six inmates accused of carrying out attacks on behalf of Israel, amid a wave of executions in response to recent conflicts and protests, with concerns raised over coerced confessions and human rights violations.
Iran executed six inmates accused of attacks linked to Israel, amid a wave of executions in response to recent conflicts and protests, with concerns over coerced confessions and human rights abuses.
Iran has executed Bahman Choobiasl, accused of spying for Israel, amid its largest wave of executions in decades, which are linked to heightened tensions following renewed sanctions and military conflicts with Israel.
Democrats in the North Carolina Senate walked out of a vote on a GOP crime bill after an amendment was introduced to resume executions in the state, which has had a moratorium on executions since 2006. The bill, which initially had bipartisan support, was ultimately passed with the amendment, despite strong Democratic opposition and criticism that the move was exploitative and undermined the bill's original intent.
A U.N. report reveals North Korea has increased executions of citizens for watching foreign films and TV, with laws imposing the death penalty for sharing international content, amid strict government control and propaganda, leading to severe repression and suffering for its population.
A UN report reveals North Korea is increasing executions, especially for watching or sharing foreign films, and is intensifying forced labor, targeting orphans and poor families, with residents subjected to extreme propaganda and repression, marking a 'lost decade' of human rights under Kim Jong-un's regime.
The UN reports that North Korea has intensified its crackdown on personal freedoms, including executing citizens for distributing foreign TV shows like South Korean dramas, amid increased surveillance and harsher punishments since 2014, making it the most restrictive country in the world.