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 10, 2020DEATH PENALTY
IRAN: KURD POLITICAL PRISONER HOUSHMAND ALIPOUR SENTENCED TO DEATH
An Iranian court on 29 December 2019 sentenced Kurd Political Prisoner Houshmand Alipour to death.
JANUARY 9, 2020ThailandDEATH PENALTYTHAILAND: MAYOR SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR MURDER OF MUNICIPAL DIRECTOR
The Criminal Court in Songkhla has sentenced six people, including the Muang Singha Nakhon municipal mayor, to death and another to life imprisonment for the murder of a municipal director in July last year, reported the Bangkok Post on 24 December 2019.
JANUARY 9, 2020ArizonaDEATH PENALTYUSA - Arizona. A jury sentenced Edward Littleton McCauley to death
USA - Arizona. A jury sentenced Edward Littleton McCauley to death
JANUARY 6, 2020MississippiDEATH PENALTYUSA - Mississippi. Doug Evans Recuses Himself From Curtis Flowers Case.
USA - Mississippi. Doug Evans Recuses Himself From Curtis Flowers Case.
JANUARY 3, 2020SomaliaDEATH PENALTYSOMALIA: 7 AL SHABAAB MEN SENTENCED TO DEATH
Somali military court sentenced seven al Shabaab men to death for murder and terrorism, Allgalgaduud Media reported on 31 December 2019.
JANUARY 3, 2020FloridaDEATH PENALTYUSA - Florida. Judge Bruce Kyle sentenced Mark Sievers to death
USA - Florida. Judge Bruce Kyle sentenced Mark Sievers to death
JANUARY 2, 2020DEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: ONDO STATE GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU PARDONS THREE CONDEMNED INMATES ON DEATH ROW
The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on 30 December 2019 granted state pardon to three condemned inmates across the various Correctional Centres on death row in the state.
- JANUARY 2, 2020DEATH PENALTY
YEMEN: HOUTHIS SENTENCE PRESIDENT HADI TO DEATH
A court in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, controlled by Houthi rebels, on 31 December 2019 sentenced the exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansur Hadi and other officials to death in absentia.
JANUARY 2, 2020DEATH PENALTYSAUDI ARABIA: CHILD RAPIST SENTENCED TO DEATH
A Saudi court sentenced a local married man to death after he was convicted of raping several little boys, the Filipino Times reported on 2nd January 2020.
- JANUARY 1, 2020AlgeriaDEATH 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, 2020GambiaDEATH PENALTY
On 19 February 2018, Gambian President Adama Barrow announced a moratorium on the death penalty
On 19 February 2018, Gambian President Adama Barrow announced a moratorium on the death penalty
- JANUARY 1, 2020KuwaitDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is provided for by laws based on the Sharia.
The death penalty is provided for by laws based on the Sharia.
- JANUARY 1, 2020TunisiaDEATH 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, 2020Guinea-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, 2020CubaDEATH 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, 2020BahamasDEATH PENALTY
Capital crimes are: aggravated murder
Capital crimes are: aggravated murder
- JANUARY 1, 2020MoroccoDEATH PENALTY
The Country has 11 crimes that carry the death penalty
The Country has 11 crimes that carry the death penalty
- JANUARY 1, 2020IndonesiaDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is applicable for murder..
The death penalty is applicable for murder...
- JANUARY 1, 2020Palestinian TerritoriesDEATH PENALTY
On 29 November 2012, the General Assembly voted to grant
On 29 November 2012, the General Assembly voted to grant
- JANUARY 1, 2020AfghanistanDEATH PENALTY
The 2004 Afghan Constitution, in article 23 asserts the right to life
The 2004 Afghan Constitution, in article 23 asserts the right to life
- JANUARY 1, 2020LaosDEATH 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, 2020TanzaniaDEATH PENALTY
Tanzania still retains the death penalty as one of punishments under...
Tanzania still retains the death penalty as one of punishments under...
- JANUARY 1, 2020ComorosDEATH PENALTY
Aggravated murder, treason and spying are capital crimes.
Aggravated murder, treason and spying are capital crimes.
- JANUARY 1, 2020CameroonDEATH PENALTY
Cameroon applies the death penalty for treason.
Cameroon applies the death penalty for treason.
- JANUARY 1, 2020Equatorial GuineaDEATH PENALTY
On 13 February 2014, the President of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, signed the Decree 426/2.014 which establishes a moratorium on the death penalty with immediate effect.
On 13 February 2014, the President of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, signed the Decree 426/2.014 which establishes a moratorium on the death penalty with immediate effect.
- JANUARY 1, 2020PakistanDEATH PENALTY
Pakistan sanctions the death penalty for 27 offences
Pakistan sanctions the death penalty for 27 offences
- JANUARY 1, 2020Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTY
Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islamic law
Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islamic law
- JANUARY 1, 2020NigerDEATH 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, 2020South 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, 2020IsraelDEATH PENALTY
The country has been abolitionist for ordinary crimes since 1954.
The country has been abolitionist for ordinary crimes since 1954.