Death sentences
Archive theme
A death sentence is not the same thing as an execution: years can pass between the two, and the sentence may be overturned on appeal, commuted, or never carried out. Counting them separately measures two different things: how far a state resorts to capital punishment, and how far it actually applies it.
This page collects the news on death sentences handed down around the world, on the later stages of appeal, and on the sentences upheld or overturned. Executions have a page of their own.
Latest news
- JANUARY 1, 2016TunisiaDEATH PENALTY
In Tunisian law the death penalty is issued for 21 separate offenses
In Tunisian law the death penalty is issued for 21 separate offenses
- JANUARY 1, 2016GambiaDEATH PENALTY
In Gambia, the death penalty was abolished in 1993, but re-established in August 1995 by the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council.
In Gambia, the death penalty was abolished in 1993, but re-established in August 1995 by the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council.
- JANUARY 1, 2016BangladeshDEATH PENALTY
Article 32 of the Constitution provides
Article 32 of the Constitution provides
- JANUARY 1, 2016United Arab EmiratesDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is rarely applied in the UAE...
The death penalty is rarely applied in the UAE...
- JANUARY 1, 2016Trinidad & TobagoDEATH PENALTY
The sentence of death is the mandatory punishment for murder in Trinidad and Tobago.
The sentence of death is the mandatory punishment for murder in Trinidad and Tobago.
- JANUARY 1, 2016LebanonDEATH PENALTY
Lebanon reinstated the death penalty in 1994 in a bid to stem a rise in violent crime following the 1975-90 civil war.
Lebanon reinstated the death penalty in 1994 in a bid to stem a rise in violent crime following the 1975-90 civil war.
- JANUARY 1, 2016YemenDEATH PENALTY
Yemen's legal system is based on both Sharia principles and customary law.
Yemen's legal system is based on both Sharia principles and customary law.
- JANUARY 1, 2016LaosDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty in Laos is applied in cases of treason, murder and rape
The death penalty in Laos is applied in cases of treason, murder and rape
- JANUARY 1, 2016BahamasDEATH PENALTY
Capital crimes are: aggravated murder
Capital crimes are: aggravated murder
- JANUARY 1, 2016TaiwanDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is provided for murder, drug offenses, treason and military offenses.
The death penalty is provided for murder, drug offenses, treason and military offenses.
- JANUARY 1, 2016MalaysiaDEATH PENALTY
In Malaysia capital crimes include murder...
In Malaysia capital crimes include murder...
- JANUARY 1, 2016CubaDEATH PENALTY
In April 2013, after ten consecutive years without carrying out executions
In April 2013, after ten consecutive years without carrying out executions
- JANUARY 1, 2016SomaliaDEATH PENALTY
The penal code of Somalia represents an amalgam of various legal systems and traditions.
The penal code of Somalia represents an amalgam of various legal systems and traditions.
- JANUARY 1, 2016PakistanDEATH PENALTY
Pakistan sanctions the death penalty for 27 offences
Pakistan sanctions the death penalty for 27 offences
- JANUARY 1, 2016Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTY
Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islamic law
Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islamic law
- JANUARY 1, 2016NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
Death sentences are mandatory for murder but also non lethal offences
Death sentences are mandatory for murder but also non lethal offences
- JANUARY 1, 2016Sierra LeoneDEATH PENALTY
Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution allows the use of the death penalty for aggravated robbery
Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution allows the use of the death penalty for aggravated robbery
- JANUARY 1, 2016Guinea-BissauDEATH PENALTY
Guinea Bissau abolished the death penalty for all crimes in 1993.
Guinea Bissau abolished the death penalty for all crimes in 1993.
- JANUARY 1, 2016South SudanDEATH PENALTY
The Republic of South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011
The Republic of South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011
- JANUARY 1, 2016NigerDEATH PENALTY
Capital crimes are: premeditated murder, torture, aggravated theft, treason and offences against the State. Niger has not imposed the death penalty since 1976.
Capital crimes are: premeditated murder, torture, aggravated theft, treason and offences against the State. Niger has not imposed the death penalty since 1976.
- JANUARY 1, 2016AlgeriaDEATH PENALTY
Algeria’s laws prescribe the death penalty for a range of crimes including ordinary crimes.
Algeria’s laws prescribe the death penalty for a range of crimes including ordinary crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2016Equatorial GuineaDEATH PENALTY
Aggravated murder, spying, treason, armed robbery and military offences are capital crimes.
Aggravated murder, spying, treason, armed robbery and military offences are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2016ComorosDEATH PENALTY
Aggravated murder, treason and spying are capital crimes.
Aggravated murder, treason and spying are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2016MoroccoDEATH PENALTY
The Country has 11 crimes that carry the death penalty
The Country has 11 crimes that carry the death penalty
- DECEMBER 30, 2015TunisiaDEATH PENALTY
the Court of First Instance sentenced three men to death over charges of killing a Tunisia’s national security
the Court of First Instance sentenced three men to death over charges of killing a Tunisia’s national security
DECEMBER 27, 2015SudanDEATH PENALTYSUDAN: TWO POLICEMEN SENTENCED TO DEATH OVER PRISONER’S MURDER
A Sudanese court sentenced two policemen to death for the murder of a detainee in a Khartoum North
DECEMBER 24, 2015ThailandDEATH PENALTYTHAILAND: TWO MYANMAR MEN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR MURDER OF BRITISH BACKPACKERS
Two Myanmar migrant workers have been sentenced to death by a Thai court for the 2014 murder of two
DECEMBER 24, 2015TaiwanDEATH PENALTYTAIWAN: DOUBLE-MURDERER SENTENCED TO DEATH
Chen Fu-hsiang, who committed a double murder in broad daylight in January, was sentenced to death by
- DECEMBER 20, 2015DEATH PENALTY
GAZA: TWO DEATH SENTENCES ISSUED IN ONE WEEK
Two death sentences have been issued in Gaza in one week, PCHR reported.
- DECEMBER 20, 2015Palestinian TerritoriesDEATH PENALTY
Deir al-Balah Court of First Instance issued a death sentence against J. F. A (26), from
Deir al-Balah Court of First Instance issued a death sentence against J. F. A (26), from