Shutterstock

Amnesty International on Wednesday released an annual report of the recorded death sentences carried out around the world.

The human rights organization estimates that China executed more people — in the thousands — than the combined total from all other countries. The report also states that worldwide, 19,000 people are on death row.

The Independent relayed details of the Amnesty International study:

Crucially, however, the figures do not include executions in China, which are a state secret and Amnesty can only estimate are in the thousands.

But by taking previous data we can see the true scale of the death penalty in the country, putting it far ahead of Iran, which admits to carrying out 289 executions, although the actual figure is thought to be much higher as well.

— Posted by Donald Kaufman.

 WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG
In this Article:
#amnesty international#capital punishment#china#death penalty#death row#donald kaufman#execution#human rights#the independent