At least 1,032 people were put to death around the world in 2016 according to research by Amnesty. 23 countries executed people last year, and just four of them account for 87% of global executions. These statistics exclude China, where execution numbers are a state secret. It is likely that China executes thousands of people each year, meaning the true number of executions worldwide is at least double the recorded total.
In 2016, people were executed following unfair trials, torture, and ill-treatment. People were executed for crimes committed under the age of 18, for non-violent and political offences, and despite evidence of mental and intellectual disabilities.
But 104 countries have now completely abolished capital punishment – the highest it has ever been.
The facts of the global death penalty show how far we have come and how far we still have to go. Find out the facts below.
