Macron's Fiery Condemnation: French President Slams Global Surge in Executions
French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned the global rise in executions, noting that the number of executions reached its highest level since 1981. During a speech at the World Congress against the Death Penalty in Paris, Macron also expressed concern over efforts to reintroduce capital punishment in regions like the Sahel and Israel, while affirming that the death penalty has no deterrent effect. France, through its Foreign Minister, reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and welcomed the launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a strong address against the global surge in executions at the ninth World Congress against the Death Penalty in Paris. He highlighted that capital punishment remains a stark reality in many parts of the world, noting that the number of executions carried out last year reached its highest level since 1981, with 2,707 individuals executed by authorities across just 17 countries. Data from the NGO Together Against the Death Penalty, which organized the congress, indicated that China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq were among the nations responsible for the majority of these executions in 2024. Specifically, Iran saw at least 1,639 people executed last year, according to Iran Human Rights NGO, marking the highest number in the country since 1989.
Macron also expressed deep concern over recent moves to reintroduce or authorize the death penalty in certain regions. He specifically mentioned