welt.de
Global Executions Surge to 10-Year High in 2024
Amnesty International reported a 10-year high in global executions in 2024, with over 1,500 documented cases, primarily in Iran (972+), Iraq (63+), and Saudi Arabia (345+), highlighting the use of capital punishment to silence dissent, especially concerning President Trump's statements on the death penalty and China's lack of transparency.
- What is the global impact of the significant increase in documented executions in 2024?
- Global executions reached a 10-year high in 2024, with over 1,500 documented in 15 countries according to Amnesty International. Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia accounted for over 90 percent of these, totaling at least 1,380 executions. This represents a sharp increase compared to previous years.
- What are the underlying causes for the sharp rise in executions in Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia?
- The significant rise in executions is attributed to Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, where the numbers drastically increased in 2024. Amnesty International highlights the use of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia and Iran to silence dissent. The actual number of executions globally is likely much higher due to underreporting, particularly in China.
- What are the long-term implications of the increasing use of the death penalty as a tool for silencing dissent and suppressing political opposition?
- The surge in executions signals a worrying trend of increased state-sanctioned violence. US President Trump's statements advocating for the death penalty further normalize this practice. The lack of transparency, especially in China, hinders accurate assessment and prevents effective international pressure for reform.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing of the report emphasizes the negative aspects of the increase in executions, focusing on the human rights violations and the lack of transparency. The headline and introduction highlight the record high number of executions, setting a negative tone. The inclusion of quotes from Amnesty International further strengthens this negative perspective.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, although terms such as "mundtot zu machen" (to silence) and descriptions of the condemned as "violent rapists, murderers and monsters" carry strong negative connotations. The report could benefit from replacing such emotionally charged terms with more neutral and less judgmental ones.
Bias by Omission
The report focuses heavily on the increase in executions in Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, and mentions the high number in China but provides limited details about the circumstances surrounding those executions. The report also omits discussion of any potential mitigating factors or arguments against capital punishment from other sources. This lack of diverse perspectives and contextual information could limit the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a stark contrast between those who support and oppose the death penalty, without exploring the complexities or nuances of the debate. For example, the quote from Julia Duchrow, while strongly condemning the death penalty, doesn't address potential counterarguments or situations where it may be seen as justified by some.
Sustainable Development Goals
The increase in executions globally, particularly in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, demonstrates a failure to uphold the right to life and due process, undermining justice systems and human rights. The use of the death penalty to silence dissent further indicates a lack of strong institutions protecting fundamental freedoms. The article highlights the significant rise in executions in several countries, directly contradicting SDG 16 which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.