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1. China
Number of executions: Unknown, estimated at 1000+
The number of executions is a state secret, and the executions reported in the media are likely to be a fraction of those that are carried out. China continues to execute more people than any other country in the world.
Execution methods in China include shooting and lethal injection. Executions are carried out in prisons or mobile “death vans,” where prisoners are reportedly strapped to an electric-powered stretcher and injected with lethal drugs.
2. Iran
Number of executions: 567+
The actual number of executions is likely to be higher in Iran, given government underreporting and the holding of secret executions.
3. Saudi Arabia
Number of executions: 154+
This execution total is close to last year’s record high of 158. Among those executed in 2016 were at least 4 juveniles who were killed as part of a mass execution of 47 people in January. One of them, Ali al-Ribh, was arrested in school, tortured into a false ‘confession’ to protest-related charges, and executed.
4. Iraq
Number of executions: 101+
Ongoing armed conflict makes it impossible to obtain exact figures for Iraq, but Reprieve believes that at least 101 executions took place in 2016. However, based on unconfirmed media reports, the real figure may be more than double this total.
5. Pakistan
Number of executions: 87+
According to figures gathered by Reprieve, there were at least 87 executions in 2016. This was a decrease since 2015, which saw Pakistan embark on an unprecedented execution spree, and leapfrog Saudi Arabia to become the world’s third most prolific executioner. Pakistan lifted a six-year moratorium on the execution in December 2014.
6. Egypt
Number of executions: 44+
Egypt saw their number of executions double in 2016, with at least 44 recorded over the year. This did not include former president Mohamed Morsi, who had his death sentence overturned in November.
7. US
Number of executions: 20
Execution numbers fell to a 25-year low amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of capital punishment. 2016 saw public support for the death penalty fall to under 50%, death sentences drop to a record low and every FDA-approved pharmaceutical company oppose the misuse of medicines in lethal injections, causing many states to put executions on hold.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
