Amnesty highlights 'disturbing rise' in global executions

Source: BBC

Amnesty highlights 'disturbing rise' in global executions

6 April 2016 World

A surge in the number of executions recorded worldwide saw more people put to death last year than at any point since 1989, Amnesty International says.

At least 1,634 people were executed in 2015, a rise of more than 50% on the previous year, the group found in its review of the use of the death penalty.

Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were responsible for 89% of the executions.

The total does not include China, where Amnesty said thousands more were likely killed but records were kept secret.

On the other hand, the group also noted that for the first time ever a majority of the world's countries had fully abolished the death penalty.

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Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-35971623