Chronological archive
December 2015
The 90 news items published by Hands Off Cain in December 2015, in chronological order.
IRAN: 8 PRISONERS HANGED AT TABRIZ, MASHHAD
six prisoners were reportedly hanged at Tabriz Central Prison (northern Iran) on drug charges and two
- 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 29, 2015Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTYSAUDI ARABIA: FILIPINO EXECUTED, 153RD DEATH SENTENCE IN 2015
Saudi Arabia executed a Filipino man convicted of murder, bringing to 153 the number of people put to
DECEMBER 29, 2015PakistanDEATH PENALTYPAKISTAN: FOUR TERRORISTS EXECUTED IN KOHAT
Four more militants were hanged to death in Kohat Central Jail early in the morning, the latest hangings since Pakistan lifted a moratorium on death penalty last year following the Peshawar school carnage.
- DECEMBER 29, 2015ArizonaDEATH PENALTY
USA - Arizona. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the death sentence of James McKinney.
USA - Arizona. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the death sentence of James McKinney.
- DECEMBER 28, 2015IranDEATH PENALTY
two prisoners were reportedly hanged at Rasht's Lakan Prison on drug related charges. The press
two prisoners were reportedly hanged at Rasht's Lakan Prison on drug related charges. The press
DECEMBER 28, 2015MalaysiaDEATH PENALTYMALAYSIA: NIGERIAN SENTENCED TO HANG FOR DRUGS SMUGGLING
The Malaysian high court sentenced a Nigerian citizen to death for drugs trafficking.
DECEMBER 28, 2015North KoreaDEATH PENALTYNORTH KOREA: 5 EXECUTED FOR AIDING AND ABETTING ESCAPES
Authorities in North Korea’s Yanggang Province back in September executed five residents for aiding the
- DECEMBER 27, 2015ChinaDEATH PENALTY
China passed a controversial new anti-terrorism law that attracted deep concern in Western capitals, not
China passed a controversial new anti-terrorism law that attracted deep concern in Western capitals, not
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 26, 2015IranDEATH PENALTYIRAN: THREE HANGED IN KHORRAMABAD
Iran's fundamentalist regime hanged three men in a prison in Khorramabad, western Iran.
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 24, 2015Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTYSAUDI ARABIA: 2 SAUDI MILLIONAIRES SAVES FILIPINO ON DEATH ROW AS CHRISTMAS GIFT
Two Saudi millionaires has donated SR225,000 (Php2.8 million) to pay the blood money (diya) for a
DECEMBER 23, 2015Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTYSAUDI ARABIA: SRI LANKAN MAID SPARED IN ADULTERY CASE
The life of a Sri Lankan maid due to be stoned to death in Saudi Arabia for adultery has been spared, Sri Lanka's foreign ministry says.
DECEMBER 23, 2015IranDEATH PENALTYIRAN: 2 PRISONERS HANGED IN GHEZELHESAR PRISON IN KARAJ
According to the report of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA), two prisoners, who had been
- DECEMBER 23, 2015SomaliaDEATH PENALTY
SOMALIA: ISLAMISTS PUBLICLY EXECUTE TWO OFFICIALS
Islamist militant group al Shabaab publicly executed a Somali military officer and the leader of a small town
DECEMBER 22, 2015IranDEATH PENALTYIRAN: 8 MEN HANGED ON DRUG CHARGES
Eight men with alleged drug charges were reportedly hanged at Qazvin Central Prison in the morning.
- DECEMBER 21, 2015IranDEATH PENALTY
UN DOUBLES IRAN DRUG FUNDING DESPITE EXECUTION SURGE
- DECEMBER 21, 2015DEATH PENALTY
PENNSYLVANIA (USA): SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS GOVERNOR'S MORATORIUM ON EXECUTIONS
In a unanimous decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld Gov. Tom Wolf's imposition of a
DECEMBER 21, 2015IranDEATH PENALTYIRAN: DEATH PENALTY ANNULLED FOR SPIRITUAL LEADER MOHAMMAD ALI TAHERI
Iran's Supreme Court annulled the death penalty for spiritual leader Mohammad Ali Taheri and referred his
DECEMBER 21, 2015IranDEATH PENALTYIRAN: TWO PRISONERS HANGED FOR MURDER
A prisoner charged with murder was hanged at Amol Prison (in the province of Mazandaran) and one
- DECEMBER 21, 2015PennsylvaniaDEATH PENALTY
USA - Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Governor's Moratorium on Executions.
USA - Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Governor's Moratorium on Executions.
- 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
DECEMBER 20, 2015IranDEATH PENALTYIRAN: SEVEN PEOPLE HANGED IN ONE DAY, TWO OF THE EXECUTIONS IN PUBLIC
At least seven prisoners were hanged in Iran. Two of the executions were carried out in public.
DECEMBER 19, 2015PakistanDEATH PENALTYPAKISTAN: TWO DEATH ROW CONVICTS HANGED IN SAHIWAL
Two death row convicts were hanged in the Central Jail Sahiwal early the morning while execution of
- DECEMBER 18, 2015DEATH PENALTY
NORTH CAROLINA (USA): SUPREME COURT REVERSES RACIAL JUSTICE ACT RULING, ORDERS NEW HEARINGS
The North Carolina Supreme Court has reversed the historic rulings of a Cumberland County, N.C. trial
- DECEMBER 18, 2015North CarolinaDEATH PENALTY
USA - North Carolina. Supreme Court Reverses Racial Justice Act Ruling, Orders New Hearings.
USA - North Carolina. Supreme Court Reverses Racial Justice Act Ruling, Orders New Hearings.
- DECEMBER 18, 2015United StatesDEATH PENALTY
USA - Report: 75% of 2015 Executions Raised Serious Concerns About Mental Health or Innocence
USA - Report: 75% of 2015 Executions Raised Serious Concerns About Mental Health or Innocence
DECEMBER 18, 2015DEATH PENALTYUSA: 75% OF 2015 EXECUTIONS RAISED SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH OR INNOCENCE
Three quarters of American executions in 2015 involved cases of "crippling disabilities and uncertain guilt,"
Show news 31–60 of 89
DECEMBER 18, 2015JapanDEATH PENALTYJAPAN: TWO CONVICTED MURDERERS HANGED
Japan executed two death row prisoners, including the nation's first of a condemned inmate sentenced by jurors, officials and media said, as campaigners called for the country to abolish capital punishment.
- DECEMBER 17, 2015OhioDEATH PENALTY
USA - Ohio. The House approved HB 663, a secrecy law
USA - Ohio. The House approved HB 663, a secrecy law
DECEMBER 16, 2015PakistanDEATH PENALTYPAKISTAN: THREE DEATH ROW CONVICTS EXECUTED IN PUNJAB JAILS
As many as three death row inmates were hanged in two Punjab cities early this morning as the country
DECEMBER 16, 2015BelarusDEATH PENALTYBELARUS: RUSSIAN CITIZEN SENTENCED TO DEATH IN UAE AWAITING EXTRADITION
Pyotr Ivanik, a Russian national, who has been sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates, is currently
DECEMBER 16, 2015PakistanDEATH PENALTYPAKISTAN: JUVENILE REPORTEDLY EXECUTED
Pakistan this morning reportedly executed Saqi Shah, who was arrested and convicted when he was 16 years old.
- DECEMBER 15, 2015Palestinian TerritoriesDEATH PENALTY
Gaza Permanent Military Court sentenced F. L. A. (50), from the north of the Gaza
Gaza Permanent Military Court sentenced F. L. A. (50), from the north of the Gaza
DECEMBER 15, 2015PakistanDEATH PENALTYPAKISTAN: 8 DEATH ROW CONVICTS HANGED IN VARIOUS CITIES
Eight death row prisoners were hanged on early morning in the jails of Attock, Bahawalpur, Multan,
DECEMBER 15, 2015Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTYSAUDI ARABIA: SAUDI PUT TO DEATH IN KINGDOM'S 151ST EXECUTION OF YEAR
A Saudi convicted of murder was executed in the eastern province of Ihsa, in the 151st death sentence
DECEMBER 15, 2015DEATH PENALTYUSA: DPIC RELEASES YEAR END REPORT
The use of the death penalty in the U.S. declined by virtually every measure in 2015.
- DECEMBER 15, 2015United StatesDEATH PENALTY
USA - DPIC Releases Year End Report: Death Penalty Use in 2015 Declines Sharply.
USA - DPIC Releases Year End Report: Death Penalty Use in 2015 Declines Sharply.
DECEMBER 15, 2015JapanDEATH PENALTYJAPAN: MAN SERVING LIFE FOR MURDER SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR ANOTHER MURDER
A 40-year-old man already convicted of killing a woman in Aichi Prefecture in 2007 was sentenced to death for a murder in 1998.
- DECEMBER 14, 2015ChinaDEATH PENALTY
CHINA: DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR WIFE OF FALLEN POLITBURO MEMBER BO XILAI
A Beijing court has recommended that the death sentence for the wife of fallen Politburo member Bo Xilai
DECEMBER 14, 2015DEATH PENALTYIRAN: THREE PRISONERS HANGED
Three prisoners have been hanged in Iran in the last days.
- DECEMBER 14, 2015OhioDEATH PENALTY
USA - Ohio. Rayshawn Johnson sentenced to life without parole.
USA - Ohio. Rayshawn Johnson sentenced to life without parole.
- DECEMBER 14, 2015CaliforniaDEATH PENALTY
USA - California. Jury Recommends Death Penalty For Ka Pasasouk
USA - California. Jury Recommends Death Penalty For Ka Pasasouk
DECEMBER 14, 2015United Arab EmiratesDEATH PENALTYUAE: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR JOINING TERRORIST ORGANISATION
Zayed Yaslam Ali, an Emirati, was sentenced to death in absentia for joining a terrorist organisation, the Federal Supreme Court ruled.
- DECEMBER 14, 2015KentuckyDEATH PENALTY
USA - Kentucky. The Supreme Court reinstated the death sentence of Roger Wheeler
USA - Kentucky. The Supreme Court reinstated the death sentence of Roger Wheeler
- DECEMBER 14, 2015IranDEATH PENALTY
IRAN: YOUNG MAN EXECUTED IN PUBLIC
Iran hanged a 20-year-old man in public in the city of Noshahr, northern Iran.
- DECEMBER 14, 2015DelawareDEATH PENALTY
USA - Delaware. The Delaware Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Chauncey Starling
USA - Delaware. The Delaware Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Chauncey Starling
- DECEMBER 12, 2015PakistanDEATH PENALTY
PAKISTAN: TWO DEATH ROW CONVICTS HANGED IN SIALKOT
At least two death row prisoners were hanged in District Jail in Sialkot. According to details, suspects Zafar
- DECEMBER 11, 2015ChinaDEATH PENALTY
CHINA: MEDICAL STUDENT EXECUTED FOR POISONING
A Chinese medical student who murdered his roommate at a prestigious Shanghai university by poisoning a drinking water dispenser was executed, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
DECEMBER 11, 2015PakistanDEATH PENALTYPAKISTAN: ANOTHER PERSON HANGED IN FAISALABAD
Another person was executed in Faisalabad’s central jail on the charges of murder, as the country marks first anniversary of APS massacre which was followed by an end to years-long unannounced ban on hangings in Pakistan.
- DECEMBER 11, 2015EgyptDEATH PENALTY
EGYPT: MAN TO BE HANGED FOR RAPING 80-YEAR-OLD WOMAN TO DEATH
An Egyptian court has given death sentence to a young man for raping an 80-year-old woman to death.
- DECEMBER 10, 2015IranDEATH PENALTY
On the eve of the International Human Rights Day, the Iranian regime’s henchmen hanged a young man,
On the eve of the International Human Rights Day, the Iranian regime’s henchmen hanged a young man,
- DECEMBER 9, 2015DEATH PENALTY
GEORGIA (USA): INMATE 'WINCED' IN PAIN DURING 1-HOUR EXECUTION PROCEDURE
Brian Keith Terrell reportedly "winced" in pain several times during the 1-hour procedure. It took
- DECEMBER 9, 2015GeorgiaDEATH PENALTY
GEORGIA (USA): BRIAN KEITH TERRELL EXECUTED
Brian Keith Terrell, 47, Black, was executed.
- DECEMBER 9, 2015DEATH PENALTY
USA - Georgia. Brian Keith Terrell reportedly "winced" in pain several times during the 1-hour procedure.
USA - Georgia. Brian Keith Terrell reportedly "winced" in pain several times during the 1-hour procedure.
- DECEMBER 9, 2015PakistanDEATH PENALTY
PAKISTAN: 2 DEATH CONVICTS SENT TO GALLOWS
Two death convicts were hanged in Attock Jail for killing two persons.
DECEMBER 9, 2015IranDEATH PENALTYIRAN: WOMAN SENTENCED TO DEATH BY STONING
A court in the north of Iran has reportedly sentenced a woman to lashings, 25 years in prison, and also
- DECEMBER 8, 2015Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTY
Saudi Arabia executed a convicted Pakistani heroin smuggler and a Saudi murderer.
Saudi Arabia executed a convicted Pakistani heroin smuggler and a Saudi murderer.
Show news 61–89 of 89
DECEMBER 8, 2015Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTYSAUDI ARABIA: AUTHORITIES EXECUTE THREE AS ANNUAL TOLL HITS 150
Saudi Arabia executed three men in the last two days.
- DECEMBER 8, 2015CaliforniaDEATH PENALTY
USA - California. Judge Jeffrey Miller has overturned the death sentence of Rudolph Roybal
USA - California. Judge Jeffrey Miller has overturned the death sentence of Rudolph Roybal
DECEMBER 8, 2015MalaysiaDEATH PENALTYMALAYSIA: DEATH SENTENCE UPHELD FOR MAN CONVICTED OF KILLING BRITONS
The Court of Appeal in Kuching, Malaysia, dismissed the appeal of a fishmonger who was convicted and
- DECEMBER 7, 2015Saudi ArabiaDEATH PENALTY
Saudi Arabia executed a man convicted of killing his wife.
Saudi Arabia executed a man convicted of killing his wife.
- DECEMBER 7, 2015IranDEATH PENALTY
IRAN: PRISONER HANGED IN BANDAR ABBAS
A prisoner with an alleged murder charge was reportedly hanged at Bandar Abbas Central Prison in the
- DECEMBER 6, 2015IranDEATH PENALTY
The Iranian regime’s henchmen hanged a 36-year-old father of three in a prison in the city of Gorgan in
The Iranian regime’s henchmen hanged a 36-year-old father of three in a prison in the city of Gorgan in
DECEMBER 6, 2015IranDEATH PENALTYIRAN: THREE MEN AND ONE WOMAN HANGED IN ONE DAY
Three men with alleged murder charges were reportedly hanged to death at Zahedan Central Prison and
DECEMBER 6, 2015EgyptDEATH PENALTYEGYPT: JIHADIST SENTENCED TO DEATH OVER POLICEMAN’S KILLING
An Egyptian court sentenced a leading jihadist to death by hanging after convicting him of killing a policeman.
- DECEMBER 4, 2015NebraskaDEATH PENALTY
USA - Nebraska. Governor Suspends Efforts to Obtain Death Penalty Drugs.
USA - Nebraska. Governor Suspends Efforts to Obtain Death Penalty Drugs.
- DECEMBER 4, 2015AlabamaDEATH PENALTY
USA - Alabama. Jurors returned a unanimous recommendation that Kevin Andre Towles be sentenced to die.
USA - Alabama. Jurors returned a unanimous recommendation that Kevin Andre Towles be sentenced to die.
- DECEMBER 4, 2015CaliforniaDEATH PENALTY
USA - California. Judge Arlan Harrell sentenced Eddie Ricky Nealy to death.
USA - California. Judge Arlan Harrell sentenced Eddie Ricky Nealy to death.
- DECEMBER 4, 2015FloridaDEATH PENALTY
USA - Florida. Judge William Fuente handed down a 3rd death penalty sentence for Dontae Morris
USA - Florida. Judge William Fuente handed down a 3rd death penalty sentence for Dontae Morris
- DECEMBER 4, 2015Myanmar (Burma)DEATH PENALTY
MYANMAR: DOUBLE COP KILLER SENTENCED TO DEATH IN RANGOON
Rangoon’s Southern District Court handed down the death penalty to a man found guilty of murdering two
- DECEMBER 4, 2015ArkansasDEATH PENALTY
USA - Arkansas. Supreme Court Issues Stay in Lethal Injection Case.
USA - Arkansas. Supreme Court Issues Stay in Lethal Injection Case.
DECEMBER 3, 2015ChinaDEATH PENALTYCHINA: FOUR SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR MURDER, FRAUD AT SHANXI MINES
Four people were sentenced to death in north China's Shanxi Province for murder, fraud and blackmail in a
DECEMBER 3, 2015SudanDEATH PENALTYSUDAN: 27 TRIED ON APOSTASY CHARGE THAT MAY BRING DEATH SENTENCES
A Sudanese court could sentence 27 Muslims to death for believing in a strand of Islam that’s considered
DECEMBER 3, 2015EgyptDEATH PENALTYEGYPT: COURT OF CASSATION WITHDRAWS DEATH SENTENCE FOR MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD SUPREME GUIDE, OTHERS
Egypt’s Court of Cassation withdrew the death sentences issued to Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide
DECEMBER 3, 2015DEATH PENALTYUSA: COUNTIES WITH HIGHEST RATES OF KILLINGS BY POLICE ALSO AMONG HIGHEST IN DEATH SENTENCES
The counties in the United States that have the highest per capita rate of killings by police officers also rank
- DECEMBER 3, 2015United StatesDEATH PENALTY
USA - Counties With Highest Rates of Killings by Police Also Among Highest in Death Sentences.
USA - Counties With Highest Rates of Killings by Police Also Among Highest in Death Sentences.
- DECEMBER 3, 2015NebraskaDEATH PENALTY
USA - Nebraska. Ernie Chambers asks Nebraska Supreme Court to sanction attorney general over lethal injection drugs.
USA - Nebraska. Ernie Chambers asks Nebraska Supreme Court to sanction attorney general over lethal injection drugs.
- DECEMBER 3, 2015MongoliaDEATH PENALTY
MONGOLIA: HISTORIC VOTE ABOLISHES DEATH PENALTY
Mongolia’s parliament became the latest to consign the death penalty to the history books, in a major victory for human rights in the country.
- DECEMBER 3, 2015OregonDEATH PENALTY
USA - Oregon. The Oregon Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Issac C. Agee
USA - Oregon. The Oregon Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Issac C. Agee
- DECEMBER 3, 2015ArkansasDEATH PENALTY
USA - Arkansas. Judge: State Must Reveal Lethal Injection Drug Information.
USA - Arkansas. Judge: State Must Reveal Lethal Injection Drug Information.
- DECEMBER 3, 2015OregonDEATH PENALTY
USA - Oregon. The Oregon Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Issac C. Agee
USA - Oregon. The Oregon Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Issac C. Agee
- DECEMBER 2, 2015DEATH PENALTY
ALABAMA (USA): DONNIS MUSGROVE DIES ON DEATH ROW BEFORE FEDERAL COURT CAN DECIDE HIS INNOCENCE CLAIM
Donnis Musgrove, 67, White, an Alabama death row prisoner with a substantial claim of innocence, died of
- DECEMBER 2, 2015IraqDEATH PENALTY
SYRIA: ISIS EXTREMISTS THROW ‘GAY COUPLE’ OFF A ROOF IN PALMYRA
The extremist group of Islamic State (ISIS) threw two Syrian men off the top of a building in Palmyra city in
- DECEMBER 2, 2015AlabamaDEATH PENALTY
USA - Alabama. Donnis Musgrove Dies on Death Row Before Federal Court Can Decide His Innocence Claim.
USA - Alabama. Donnis Musgrove Dies on Death Row Before Federal Court Can Decide His Innocence Claim.
- DECEMBER 2, 2015PakistanDEATH PENALTY
PAKISTAN: FOUR TERRORISTS SENT TO GALLOWS
Four convicted terrorists were sent to the gallows for their involvement in the Army Public School (APS) massacre in Peshawar last December in which over 150 people, mostly children, lost their lives.
- DECEMBER 1, 2015OhioDEATH PENALTY
USA - Ohio. The Ohio Supreme Court has set aside the death penalty for Rayshawn Johnson
USA - Ohio. The Ohio Supreme Court has set aside the death penalty for Rayshawn Johnson