Amnesty's alarm over executions

Last year saw the biggest number of executions for ten years, according to a new report by Amnesty International.

The fourth biggest state killer was America - 'land of the free' and home to a fiercely pro-life president.

The charity, which is calling for an end to the death penalty worldwide, said at least 3,797 people were executed in 25 countries in 2004, while at least 7,395 people were sentenced to death in 64 countries - the highest total since 1996.

Just four countries accounted for 97 per cent of all executions.

China executed at least 3,400 people, Iran 159, Vietnam 64 and the US 59 people.

China refused to give official figures, but in March 2004 a delegate at the National People's congress said 'nearly 10,000' were executed each year.

Amnesty believes that 3,400 deaths is a credible minimum for 2004.

Its UK director, Kate Allen, said: 'This is an alarming rise. The figures uncovered from China are genuinely frightening.

'These executions are believed to be only the tip of the iceberg. Many countries continue to execute people in secret.'

Five countries abolished the death penalty last year - Bhutan, Greece, Samoa, Senegal and Turkey.

The worst 12 for executions in 2004

China - 3,400+
Iran - 159+
Vietnam - 64+
USA - 59
Saudi Arabia - 33+
Pakistan - 15+
Kuwait - 9+
Bangladesh - 7+
Egypt - 6+
Singapore - 6+
Yemen - 6+
Belarus - 5+