What Death Row Is Like Around The World

1. China

imagesource/liveworldwideThe country still employs firing squads to carry out the death penalty - a death penalty that fell out of favour in many countries around the world. China does also tend to use the lethal injection which is seen to be a little more humane than a gunshot or shall I say 50 odd gunshots. China are known for their strict stance on drugs, so citizens can be put on death row for as little as selling drugs on the streets - China also executes more people than all the other countries combined.Method of execution: Shooting & Lethal Injection.

2. United States

imagesource/bbcnewsNow, I don't know about you but when I hear the words Death Penalty, the country I immediately think of is America. Being the only country in the Americas to subject criminals to the death penalty, a whopping 1,543 executions have been performed since the death penalty was reenacted in the US in 1976.Method of execution: Lethal Injection & Electrocution.

3. Egypt

imagesource/bbcworldWhere a lot of countries have slowed down with their rate of execution, this North African country increased greatly in frequency in 2011 after the revolution. Many Egyptian executions are carried out in secret after unfair trials and confessions obtained through torture which often means many of the death row inmates don't even have the rights to a fair trial.Method of execution: Hanging.

4. Belarus

imagesource/bbcnewsEurope's only nation to still carry out the death penalty, Belarus sentences prisoners to the death sentence sparingly but has continued to do so until 2019. Prisoners are given no indication to the date & are left blindfolded and cuffed, marched from their cells to the execution room to be shot in the head. Families often don't find out until 2 weeks after it's been carried out and with consistent coercion and torture tactics used to obtain confessions, many innocent people slip through that nets unfortunately.Method of execution: Shooting

5. Singapore

imagesource/yahoonewsSingapore is home to 4 million people but has carried out over 400 hangings over 30 years, with prisoners living facilities barely at a basic humane level, is it even fair to sentence them to death when they don't even have bedding, aren't allowed to be out of isolation and visits are often cancelled weekly for them. 4 days prior to their execution, prisoners are given TV and music privileges along with a meal of their choice.Method of execution: Hanging 

6. Japan

imagesource/yahoonewsJapans inmates often don't get told until 1-2 hours before the execution and their families don't find out until after. Once the execution has taken place, prison officials inform the public that the event has taken place & life is resumed as normal... Unlike some countries, Japan only uses one method of execution, which is hanging - inmates are blindfolded before the trapdoor is released.Method of execution: Hanging

7. Iraq

imagesource/institutkurdDeath Row should really be used for the most serious and heinous crimes. However, Iraq does not confine use of the death penalty to these sorts of crimes, instead, perpetrators of crimes such as smuggling of vehicles and antiques, thieves of any type really, army deserters & PIMPs are sentenced to the death penalty & like other countries, some of these are based upon forced confessions through force or torture.Method of execution: Hanging.

8. Saudi Arabia

imagesource/newsweekThe only country in the world known to have carried out an execution by beheading in recent years, is Saudi Arabia. Around 146 people were killed by beheading before 2020, but due to COVID-19, the country decided to remove this penalty for drug offences or against people who were underaged at the time of the crime (how nice of them). However, earlier in 2022, it was reported Saudia Arabia carried out a mass execution of 81 people which makes it the largest mass execution in Saudi's known history.Method of execution: Beheading

9. India

imagesource/indiatodayThere is little reliable information about how the state handles its death row inmates but we do know, death sentences are handed out without consistency, torture, solitary confinement & violent investigation techniques are also used & 3 out of 4 inmates are classed as economically vulnerable - which says it all really considering mental health is flagged as a serious and under-researches issue in prisons with many inmates facing violence and humiliation from fellow inmates. One particular death row inmate has described being stripped naked and tied to a table while a snake was let loose, his wounds were then rubbed with lemon and chilli - this is for a crime he says he did not commit.Method of execution: Hanging.

10. Vietnam

imagesource/asianewsAnother country to hand out death penalties in large quantities, is Vietnam. On average 100 executions happen per year & this doesn't include the many that go unreported. The Lethal Injection is used in Vietnam but the chemical used still remains unknown which is quite terrifying to think about. Death Row inmates are often kept shackled to improperly ventilated cells, however, Vietnams capital punishment is under review but the number of individuals on death row remains a matter of secrecy.Method of execution: Lethal Injection

11. Bangladesh

imagesource/LAtimesExecution is actually on the increase in Bangladesh, with 25% of the death penalty offences classed as 'non-lethal' or 'did not meet the threshold of the most serious crimes'. As you can probably imagine, many of these inmates are tortured for weeks on end into confessing crimes that a lot had not even committed. A study shows that there are 33 crimes punishable by death in Bangladesh, including giving false evidence, murder, assisted suicide of a child, attempted murder & kidnapping.Method of execution: Hanging

12. Nigeria

imagesource/BBCOne particular prison in Nigeria holds 80% of their death row inmates making it congested and one of the most dangerous prisons in the world. Psychological and emotional torture goes on behind the bars of this prison. The death penalty is given out for offences like treason, kidnapping, murder, armed robbery & involvement with militia groups.Method of execution: Hanging 

13. Algeria

imagesource/reutersClaiming to be an "Abolist in practice", Algeria still has over 1000 people on death row. Death by hanging is Algeria's preferred way of execution, but with many people in prison for activism and protesting many are left languishing in cells for years before they're released from their death row sentences.Method of execution: Hanging

14. Cuba

imagesource/voanewsNational legislation provides death penalty for murder, threatening to commit murder, rape, terrorism, hijacking, piracy, drug trafficking, espionage and treason. However, no one has actually been executed since 2003, with over 50 people currently still on death row it looks like Cuba will become one of the states that will more than likely scrap this method in the future.Method of execution: Firing squad

15. Pakistan

imagesource/deathpenaltynewsAmongst the top 3 executioners in the world alongside China & Iran, Pakistan has 27 crimes punishable by death! This strict fundamentalist nation holds many strict laws, so it may not come as a surprise that blasphemy is amongst one of the world crimes to be committed in this country. Defamation against the Qu-ran will get you life imprisonment, but defiling the name of sacred prophet Muhammad will almost certainly guarantee you death. Piracy and homosexuality will also bring you the death penalty as well as leaving the Islamic religion.Method of execution: Hanging 

16. Syria

imagesource/thewashingtonpostA mass execution happened in October last year, making it the 5th biggest recorded executor in 2021.

"Syrian minister of Justice described the 24 men as

“criminals who carried out terrorist attacks that led to deaths and damage to infrastructure and public property”

after purposely causing wildfires.

The Syrian state has embarked on a horrifying execution spree which exposes its callous disregard for the right to life and contempt for international law. Our research over the years has shown that death sentences are often passed after secret trials without the most basic fair trial guarantees or based on torture-tainted confessions. The death penalty is a cruel punishment and can never be justified – no matter the offence."

Method of execution: Hanging 

17. North Korea

imagesource/deathpenaltynewsWhen you think of North Korea, you immediately think of Kim Jong Un & his dictatorship - where Koreans are basically so scared to say or do anything out of place. The people are told nothing about the outside world & they don't have the internet, however, some poor soul who managed to smuggle in copies of the Netflix series "Squid Game" from China has been sentenced to death by firing squad. The students who bought the copies have also been sentenced to harsh punishments including 5 years of hard labour & as for their teachers - they were banished from working in schools, some sentence to hard labour camps, other sentenced to death.Method of execution: Shooting.

18. Afghanistan

imagesource/theguardianStoning, flogging & Amputation are all forms of execution used in Afghanistan to this present day. Professors at Kabul university support the governments brutal death penalties.

"The number of serious crimes is growing every day. If we do not combat these with the death penalty they will continue to grow. In the current situation, I think the death penalty is the best solution; especially in cases where barbarous crimes have been committed against women and children,"

Method of execution: Stoning, Flogging & Hanging 

19. Thailand

imagesource/themirrorAlthough Thailand is leaning more towards scrapping the death penalty altogether, there are still some serious reports of injustice. Once arrested in Thailand, you could be waiting up to 84 days in police custody where conditions are cruel, unhuman & degrading. The conditions of detention in prisons are notably worse as death row inmates are chained for 24 hours of the day, tortured and left in their own faeces before finally seeing the inside of the execution room walls.Method of execution: Firing squad

20. Brazil

imagesource/businessinsiderThis is one of two South American countries that still uses the death penalty, however, people are only sentenced to death for committing the most heinous, serious crimes, including Genocide and Terrorism. With the last execution over 100 years ago, Brazil have basically abolished the death penalty, however, the heightened level of gang violence & overcrowding makes Brazils prisons some of the most dangerous in the world - the homicide rate is several times the national average.Method of execution: Firing squad

21. Puerto Rico

imagesource/shutterstockIt's safe to say, that this beautiful island HATES the death penalty and in 2019, the Puerto Rican coalition decided to abolish the law. That was until the US stepped in & overrode the Death Penalty ban. Puerto Rica is heavily Roman Catholic and polls show residents oppose capital punishment on religious and moral grounds. Although death row may not be the worst in the list of countries, it's still not ideal when an entire country votes against the law.Method of execution: Lethal Injection 

22. Taiwan

imagesource/wikipediaMethod of execution: Shooting.

23. Oman

imagesource/dailymailThe death sentence is rarely exercised in Oman, but when someone is imprisoned and awaiting death, it has been known that they are not allowed any communication with the outside world, including their families.Method of execution: Shooting.

24. Indonesia

imagesource/NDTVExecutioners are paid $100 on top of their wage to carry out the grim task of killing someone. Moments before a prisoner is executed, they're allowed to seek religious council whilst 12 officers line up 10 metres away from the inmates or inmates. The prisoners are dressed in white and in the darkness of night, a bright torch is shone over the prisoners heart.Method of execution: Shooting

25. Iran

imagesource/thelimitedtimes40% of executions in 2021 were drug-related and 4% were religious offences but where it gets really bizarre, is adultery can get you 100 lashes, but if you cheat on your spouse 4 times, then you could find yourself on death row which was punishable by stoning until it was overturned in 2012 for an 'unspecified punishment'...sounds legit. Most prisoners are commonly stood and lifted with a noose on a crane, causing a protracted death by strangulation.Method of execution: Shooting & Hanging.

26. South Korea

imagesource/thekoreaheraldSouth Korea, like Japan, is known for being a peaceful, kind country & even though there were 60 people on death row as of 2021, the most recent execution was in 1997. Most executions were done buy hanging with a rope but if the crime involved going against the country's military, the the subject was sentenced to death by firing squad which is obviously a very messy & inhumane method, often frowned upon by other countries.Method of execution: Shooting

27. Qatar

imagesource/deathpenaltynewsWith the World Cup coming up, Soccer fans could face arrest in this country. The government have made it clear they won't be any leniency given to tourists during this time and anyone who is anywhere near someone who is caught doing drugs could also be arrested. Bad behaviour during matches could lead to the death penalty and the list goes on. Landing yourself in prison in Qatar, let alone death row would not be something anyone would want to do. Conditions are bleak, hygiene standards are on the floor & some inmates are left to starve for days, especially before execution.Method of execution: Shooting.

28. Yemen

imagesource/theatlanticCrimes such as rape, murder and terrorism can lead to the death penalty here in Yemen, however, it has been enforced for violations of Islamic Law such as Adultery, Sexual Misconduct, Sodomy, Prostitution and blasphemy, but unlike Pakistan, these are very rare. If you did find yourself on death row, you would unlikely be told when and how it would happen, with stoning, hanging AND beheading all permitted under Yemani law.Method of execution: Shooting.

29. Somalia

imagesource/amnestyinternationalMost executions in Somalia are done through shooting, but Sharia courts also use beheading and stoning. Unlike some countries, Somalia get the job done very quickly, some inmates don't even spend more than 48 hours in prison before being executed. Back in 2014, 3 men were sentenced to death for going against Islamic law, within a few days, Somali posted a media photo on Twitter of their limp, hooded bodies tied to poles.Method of execution: Shooting

30. Malaysia

imagesource/CGTNIn June 2022, the Malaysian government finally decided to abolish the nation's mandatory death penalty laws and with the last execution in 2016, Malaysia seem to be turning things around after reports that inmates families were only given 2 days notice before the hanging occurred.Method of execution: Hanging

31. Antigua

imagesource/BBCIn Antigua the death penalty is still legal, however it seems to be only used in extreme cases and has not been used for many years. In fact, the gallows within Her Majesty's Prison haven't actually been used since back in February 21, 1991. The last execution was Tyrone Nicholas who was hanged for committing murder.Method of execution: Hanging

32. Bahamas

imagesource/BBCIn the Bahamas, Capital punishment is also still legal. The death row happens by hanging, which occurs at Fox Hill Prison. But, again it hasn't happened in many years. The last execution in the Bahamas was January 6, 2000. And, since then only one convict has received the sentencing. In 2012,  Mario Flowers, was sentenced to death, but his sentence was commuted in 2016.Method of execution: Hanging

33. Guatemala

imagesource/BBCDeath row is still legal in Guatemala. The country has voted to keep capital punishment for the last few years. But, that being said it has not been used frequently and there are no prisoners awaiting death row currently. In 2017, the death penalty was abolished for what were classed as 'ordinary crimes' so that it would occur only in severe cases.Method of execution: Hanging

34. Ethiopia

imagesource/AddisStandardThe death penalty although it is legal in Ethiopia it is not commonly used. But, when the prospect of abolishing it arises, the idea meets a lot of resistance.  There was a case a few years ago in 2017 when a man from Britain was taken from the airport and put on death row. Thankfully, after four years waiting on death row he was eventually pardoned.Method of execution: Hanging & shooting

35. Gambia

imagesource/DWGambia have been taking recent steps that are moving towards the direction of abolishing the death penalty. For many crimes now, the death penalty has been abolished and the sentence changed to life imprisonment. However, for some crimes considered more terrible, it still exists.Method of execution: Hanging

36. Uganda

imagesource/The Indpendent UgandaSimilarly, for some crimes in the past there was a mandatory sentencing of the death penalty. Now, this no longer exists and the death penalty occurs on a more individual crime which depends case to case. The last execution happened in 2005. But, in 2017, still more than 250 people remained on death row.Method of execution: Hanging

37. El Salvador

imagesource/WikiIn El Salvador the last death penalty case occurred decades ago, back in 1973. This is because it became abolished in all cases apart "for cases stipulated in military legislation during a state of international war". And so, the death penalty remains but in certain circumstances.Method of execution: Hanging & shooting

38. Palestine

imagesource/BBCPalestine has enforced capital punishment by the Hamas Administration since it assumed power back in 2007. The punishment is enforced for offences and crimes which act against Islamic law, such as land sales to Israelis, as well as treason.Method of execution: Hanging

39. Zimbabwe

imagesource/voanewsIn Zimbabwe the death penalty is a controversial topic, some are very much in support and many are against. In 2018 the President - Mnangagwa had all the death penalties commuted for those who had remained on death row for over a decade.Method of execution: Hanging

40. Dominica

imagesource/Nature Isle NewsIt is a similar case in Dominica as of 2022 in terms of the fact that despite the death penalty being legal in certain circumstances, it is rarely used. Again, it has not been used in decades but it remains there as an option in the case of a crime considered severe enough.Method of execution: Hanging

41. United Arab Emirates

imagesource/BBCUnder Emirati law, there is a very severe and harsh attitude towards the death penalty which is in place for multiple crimes carry.  Current laws currently allow the death penalty for the likes of treason, murder, but also cases of homosexuality, and drug trafficking. Both nationals from overseas as well as UAE nationals have both been executed.Method of execution: Stoning or Firing squad

42. Sudan

imagesource/RadiodabangaCapital punishment in Sudan is legal. The act, is Article 27 of the Sudanese Criminal Act 1991. The Act is based on what is called the Sharia law. Sudan enforces both the death penalty and also corporal punishment, which includes punishments such as such as amputation.Method of execution: Hanging

43. Saint Lucia

imagesource/Repeating IslandsSaint Lucia remains one of the countries in the world which still have the death penalty. And, recently the country has been suffering from many gun crimes. The Justice and National minister said: “It is in our books, and I am saying if it is on our books, we must utilize it”.Method of execution: Hanging

44. Peru

imagesource/The IndependentPeru is one of several countries in the world that has abolished the death penalty for what are considered 'ordinary crimes' but has been kept in place for other crimes. 1979 was the last time anybody was killed, it was Julio Vargas Garayar, a 26-year-old Air Force sergeant who gave away classified information.Method of execution: Firing Squad

45. Jamaica

imagesource/The New York

46. Israel

imagesource/The Times of IsraelCapital punishment is legal in Israel however it is not commonly enforced. Capital punishment has only ever been imposed twice in its history. The death penalty is handed out for crimes such as treason, genocide, crimes against humanity, and crimes against the Jewish people during wartime.Method of execution: Hanging

47. Jordan

imagesource/middleastermonitorIn Jordan, the country briefly put a hold on capital punishment between the years of 2006 and 2014. But, then late 2014 Jordan decided to resume and 11 persons were executed. Then, two more executions followed in 2015 and 15 in 2017 and then one in 2021.Method of execution: Shooting and Hanging

48. Belarus

imagesource/BBCBelarus has been described as “ the only state in Europe and Central Asia which still uses the death penalty, the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment''. Those sentenced are forbidden to take a walk and must remain in their cell.Method of execution: Shooting

49. Guayana

imagesource/starbroeknewsGuayana also enforces the death penalty. However, unlike many countries which still enforce the death penalty, in Guayana you still have the right to appeal your sentence to the higher courts - the Court of Appeal of Guyana.Method of execution: Hanging

50. Western Sahara

imagesource/theguardianIn Western Sahara, the death penalty has been banned for the majority of crimes. And, like many other countries it is rarely used however it still remains there as a threat. And, it can be enforced for crimes considered extreme enough.Method of execution: Lethal injection