Death penalty, which countries still use it in 2023? An overview

Oluwatosin Jegede

13 April 2023

The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is the practice of executing individuals convicted of certain crimes, typically murder or treason. It is a controversial form of punishment used throughout history by various societies and governments.

The methods used for executions have varied widely, including hanging, lethal injection, electrocution, and firing squads.

The death penalty remains a highly debated issue around the world, with some arguing that it is necessary for justice and deterrence, while others believe it is unethical and ineffective.

Table of Contents

Arguments in favor of the death penalty

The following are some of the arguments in favor of it:

Deterrence: Proponents argue that the capital punishment serves as a deterrent to potential criminals, as the fear of being executed may discourage them from committing serious crimes;
Retribution: Some argue that the death penalty provides a sense of justice and closure for victims’ families and society as a whole, as it punishes the offender for their heinous crime;
Cost-effective: Supporters claim that it is cost-effective. The costs of housing and feeding a prisoner for life can be higher than the costs of executing them;
Public safety: Advocates argue that executing certain criminals, such as serial killers or terrorists, ensures they cannot harm society again.

Arguments against it

The following are some of the main arguments in opposition to the capital punishment:

Risk of executing innocent people: Opponents argue that there is always the risk of executing an innocent person, as the legal system is not infallible and can make mistakes;
Unethical: Many believe the capital punishment is inherently unethical, as it involves taking a human life, regardless of the crime committed;
Ineffectiveness: Some argue that the it is not an effective deterrent, as studies have shown that crime rates are not significantly lower in countries that use it;
Arbitrary application: Critics claim that it is often applied in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner, with factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location influencing who receives the death penalty.

The debate over the capital punishment remains highly contentious and polarizing, with passionate arguments on both sides.

List of countries still using the death penalty in 2023

The following are the countries where it is still used as a punishment:

Asia

China: China is known to have the highest number of executions in the world, although the exact number is a state secret. It applies the capital punishment to various crimes, including drug trafficking, corruption, and terrorism;
India: India still uses it, although it is only applied in rare cases. The death penalty is typically reserved for crimes such as terrorism or particularly heinous murders;
Iran: Iran applies the capital punishment for various crimes, including drug trafficking, murder, and adultery. It is known for using public executions, which human rights organizations have criticized;
Iraq: Iraq has been known to apply it for various crimes, including terrorism, murder, and drug offenses;
Japan: Japan still uses the death penalty. It is reserved for serious crimes such as multiple murders or terrorism;
North Korea: North Korea is known to apply the capital punishment for various crimes, including espionage, drug trafficking, and political crimes;
Pakistan: Pakistan still uses the death penalty. It is used for crimes such as terrorism or particularly heinous murders;
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia applies it for various crimes, including drug trafficking, murder, and apostasy. The country has faced criticism for using public executions and lack of due process.

Africa

Egypt: Egypt applies it for various crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, and terrorism. The country has faced criticism for using the it against political dissidents;
Somalia: Somalia applies it for various crimes, including murder, terrorism, and piracy;
Sudan: Sudan applies the death penalty for various crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

Americas

United States: The United States still uses the death penalty. Although it is only applied in certain states and for certain crimes. It is typically reserved for crimes such as murder or treason;
Guatemala: Guatemala applies the death penalty for various crimes, including murder and drug trafficking. However, it has not executed anyone since 2000;
Belize: Belize applies it for various crimes, including murder and drug trafficking. However, no one has been executed in Belize since 1985;
Cuba: Cuba still uses the death penalty, although it is only applied in rare cases. The death penalty is typically reserved for crimes such as terrorism or murder.

Europe

Belarus: Belarus is the only European country still using the death penalty. It applies it for various crimes, including murder and terrorism. However, the country has faced criticism for its lack of due process and transparency in using it.

The death penalty remains a controversial form of punishment

The use of the death penalty in 2023 remains a highly debated topic around the world. While many countries have abolished it, several continue to use it, including China, Iran, and the United States.

The arguments for and against the death penalty are complex and multifaceted, with passionate opinions on both sides.

However, despite this ongoing debate, it is important to recognize the human rights concerns and ethical implications surrounding using the death penalty and the need for a fair and just legal system.