Iraq
Death penalty and prisoners' rights · Archive since 1999
Data card
- Legal status
- Retentionist
- Executions recorded in 2026
- 1
- Executions recorded in 2025
- 0
- First news item in the archive
- JANUARY 1, 1999 · In mid-January, Col
- News items in the archive
- 874
Source: Hands Off Cain database, updated to 2026.
Iraq is classified as Retentionist in the Hands Off Cain database, updated to 2026. In 2026 the association recorded 1 executions in the country, against 0 the year before. The archive holds 874 news items on Iraq, from 1999 to today.
In Iraq death sentences come largely from terrorism proceedings, often collective and concluded quickly. The method is hanging. Executions are carried out in groups, usually with no notice to the families and with announcements afterwards.
International bodies have repeatedly reported trials lacking minimum guarantees and sentences founded on confessions. The archive follows executions, sentences and requests for a stay.
Latest news
- JANUARY 1, 1999IraqDEATH PENALTY
The Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or...
The Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions said that reports continue to be received concerning the execution of hundreds of political prisoners detained in penitentiaries through the country
- JANUARY 1, 1999IraqDEATH PENALTY
In January, 106 political detainees were killed in...
In January, 106 political detainees were killed in three mass executions in Abu Ghurayb prison near Baghdad, the Iraqi Communist Party accused in a statement faxed to Reuters in Cairo on April 19
- JANUARY 1, 1999IraqDEATH PENALTY
Capital crimes are: murder, economic offenses, drug...
Capital crimes are: murder, economic offenses, drug offenses and some political activities
- JANUARY 1, 1999IraqDEATH PENALTY
There are 6 Iraqi stowaways, 2 soldiers and 4 others...
There are 6 Iraqi stowaways, 2 soldiers and 4 others who refused to join the army, detained at a holding facility at Port Hedland in Western Australia