dw.com
Global Executions Surge in 2024
The 2024 global execution numbers reached a high since 2015, with Iran (at least 972), Saudi Arabia (at least 345), and Iraq (63) accounting for 90% of executions, while China's numbers remain undisclosed and alarming trends emerged in the USA and Belarus.
- What were the main factors contributing to the significant rise in global executions in 2024?
- In 2024, global executions surged to their highest since 2015, with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq accounting for 90% of the total. Iran led with at least 972 executions, a rise from 853 in 2023, while Saudi Arabia doubled its executions to at least 345 and Iraq saw a fourfold increase to 63.
- What are the specific human rights concerns surrounding capital punishment in Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2024?
- The increase is largely attributed to crackdowns on dissent. In Saudi Arabia, despite modernization efforts, executions rose due to the suppression of political opposition, particularly targeting Shia minorities involved in past protests. Similarly, Iran executed at least 100 people linked to 2022 protests.
- What are the long-term implications of the observed trends in capital punishment, considering both positive and negative developments?
- While the global number of executing countries remains low at 15, representing a positive trend, concerning developments include the resurgence of executions in four US states after years of inactivity and the alarming increase of executions using nitrogen gas, a method possibly amounting to torture. Belarus remains the sole European country using capital punishment.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The report's framing emphasizes the negative aspects of the increase in executions, particularly highlighting human rights abuses and the use of the death penalty for political dissent in Iran and Saudi Arabia. While acknowledging a positive trend in some countries, the overall tone and structure lean towards portraying a negative global picture. The headline about the increase in executions sets a negative frame.
Language Bias
The report uses strong, emotionally charged language when describing the human rights abuses associated with capital punishment. Terms such as "brutal," "cruel," "inhumane," and "degrading" are used to describe the death penalty, and the use of phrases like "the world leader in executions" is evaluative and not strictly descriptive. While these choices effectively convey the gravity of the issue, they could be perceived as lacking objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The report focuses heavily on Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, while acknowledging the lack of data from China, North Korea, and Vietnam. This omission, while understandable due to data limitations, could lead to an incomplete picture of global capital punishment trends. The report mentions other countries briefly but lacks detailed analysis of their practices. The lack of detailed information on the application of the death penalty in various countries for different crimes constitutes a significant omission.
False Dichotomy
The report presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between countries abolishing the death penalty and those retaining it, without fully exploring the nuances of moratoriums, varying legal frameworks, and differing interpretations of human rights. For example, while the report notes the positive trend in Malaysia, it doesn't discuss potential challenges or complexities associated with its reforms.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant increase in executions globally in 2024, primarily in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. This surge is linked to the suppression of dissent and political opposition, undermining justice and the rule of law. The use of capital punishment for individuals involved in protests further demonstrates a lack of fair trial and due process, contradicting SDG 16. The report also mentions concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding executions in China and North Korea, highlighting a lack of accountability and transparency in the justice system.