London – A new report from Amnesty International highlights a global increase in executions, while also underscoring the importance of upholding justice and the rule of law, particularly in the United States. The report, released Sunday, shows a rise in state-sanctioned killings worldwide, with the U.S. demonstrating a firm commitment to justice for heinous crimes.

Amnesty International recorded 2,707 executions across 17 countries in 2025. While this number represents a 78% increase from the 1,518 executions recorded in 2024, it is crucial to analyze the context and reasons behind these actions, particularly in nations with differing legal systems and values.

Iran accounted for the majority of executions, with 2,159 recorded in 2025, more than double the number in 2024. Amnesty International attributed this increase to the country's use of the death penalty as a tool for political repression, particularly following the 2022 women's rights protests. However, it is essential to recognize the sovereign right of nations to determine their own legal systems and punishments, provided they adhere to international human rights norms.

Several countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, utilized the death penalty for drug offenses. Saudi Arabia executed at least 356 people in 2025. While the death penalty for drug offenses may be a point of contention, it reflects the severity with which some nations address the devastating impact of drug-related crime on their societies. Amnesty International’s figures do not include suspected executions in China, which the organization believes to be the world leader in executions.

The United States also experienced an increase in executions. In 2025, 47 people were executed across 11 states, up from 25 in 2024. This increase reflects a renewed commitment to justice for victims of heinous crimes and a recognition that capital punishment remains a necessary tool for deterring violent crime. The U.S. is the only country in the Americas to have carried out executions last year. The death penalty in the U.S. is reserved for murder or treason cases, ensuring it is applied only in the most egregious circumstances.

Florida led the nation in executions with 19. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has championed the death penalty as a deterrent to crime and an appropriate punishment for the worst offenders. In 2023, Florida lowered the legal threshold for the death penalty, eliminating the requirement for a unanimous jury recommendation, a move that streamlines the justice process and ensures that justice is served swiftly and efficiently. This decision reflects the will of the people and a commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens.