The last execution in Russia took place on September 2, 1996

The last execution in Russia took place on September 2, 1996. However, Hands Off Cain reported 14 executions in separatist Chechnya in 2002, whereas in 2001 the known total was 21. Chechen separatist authorities apply Sharia law and generally shoot dead people accused of being 'national traitors' for collaborating with federal authorities. According to Chechen government sources cited by the Russian news agency Interfax, the first execution under a Sharia court ruling in Chechnya was carried out on August 5, 1996 when rebels shot dead the head of the Vedeno district administration. On the other hand, international organizations accuse Russia of summary executions, rape, torture and disappearances since its troops swept into the breakaway republic in October 1999 in a bid to crush separatist forces.