2015 had most executions in two decades

April 06, 2016 19:40

The world saw the highest number of recorded executions in more than 25 years in 2015, according to a new report from human rights group Amnesty International.

In what the organization called an "alarming surge," at least 1,634 people were executed last year, an increase of more than 50% on 2014.

"The rise in executions last year is profoundly disturbing," said Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's Secretary General, in a statement.

"Not for the last 25 years have so many people been put to death by states around the world."

According to the rights group's annual report the dramatic increase was fueled by three nations -- Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia -- who together were responsible for nearly 90% of executions in 2015.

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