Amnesty in Salisbury & South Wiltshire
Promoting human rights from Salisbury UK
May 2025
We are pleased to attach the monthly death penalty report thanks to group member Lesley for the work in compiling it. As ever we remind our readers that China is believed to execute more of its citizens than the rest of the world combined but information is a state secret.
April 2025
The report highlights a sharp increase in numbers executed – the highest level since 2015 – but the number of countries holds steady. Amnesty has recorded 1,518 executions in 2024 a 32% increase over the previous year. A problem with producing statistics of this nature is that countries who are major users of the penalty, keep their figures a secret. China for example, believed to be the world’s largest executioner with thousands of its citizens executed each year – does not publish figures regarding them as a state secret. Another secretive nation is Vietnam where, similarly, the numbers are a state secret, and Belarus and Laos who release limited information. The figures are accordingly a minimum estimate of the actual numbers executed. The full report can be accessed here (pdf).
The penalty is not solely used to put to death people who have committed serious crime, but is used as a repressive tool. Saudi Arabia (image), and Iran, for example use the penalty to stifle dissent, targeting human rights defenders, protestors, dissidents and political opponents. There is also a disproportionate use of the penalty against minorities particularly religious minorities. Iran, which executed no less than 972 individuals last year, uses the penalty to execute those who challenge, or who are perceived to challenge, the Islamic Republic. It is also noted that these regimes have poor levels of justice. Defendants are often tortured to secure confessions and are denied access to lawyers. It is highly likely, not to say probable, that many wholly innocent people lose their lives.
Another trend is the use of the penalty as part of drugs programmes against dealers and users.
There is little sign, and very little evidence, that the penalty is some kind of deterrent, an argument frequently put forward for its retention or return. The leader of UK’s Reform party for example recently called for its reintroduction following the dreadful murder of three little girls which took place in Southport*. YouGov surveys show mixed views among Britons about the penalty. Generally, people are opposed but there is more support for its use among Conservative voters. The strongest support comes from the 65+ age group. Attitudes do change however, following a particularly unpleasant murder of a child, a policeman or as a result of terrorist activity. It was last used in 1964, suspended in 1965, abolished in 1969 and completely abolished in 1998 when treason was removed (different dates in Northern Ireland).
The group publishes a report on its use each month and last month’s report is available here.
*Town in northern England
December 2024
We are pleased to attach our latest death penalty report covering the period mid November to mid December 2024 with thanks to group member Lesley for the work in compiling this. As ever we must note that China is believed to execute more of its citizens than the rest of the world combined but the details are a state secret. This month saw the toppling of the Assad regime in Syria. People were able to gain access to the prisons where thousands were tortured and executed.
Recent posts:
We are now on Bluesky and Mastodon
October 2024
We are pleased to attach the latest bi-monthly report on the death penalty thanks to group member Lesley for the work in preparing this. It is worth remembering that the 10 October was the World Day Against the Death Penalty. As usual we note that China is believed to execute more of its citizens than the rest of the world combined but details are a state secret.
May 2024
Immigration and asylum issues continue to exercise politicians and sections of the media and flights to Rwanda edge closer. We are grateful for this report produced by group member Andrew.
The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act finally became law on 25th April. Since then, two pre-action letters have been sent (i.e. indicating intent to take the matter to court) from the FDA Union (on the grounds that civil servants cannot be expected to break international law) and Asylum Aid (claiming the legislation breaks with international law.)
It is reported that the Home Office is already rounding up refugees to send to Rwanda. As a result many are going into missing or into hiding – or moving to Ireland. It has also been said that countries under investigation as possible destinations include Armenia, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Botswana. (Costa Rica has forcefully denied any such idea.)
A further aspect of the legislation is that Rwanda is a ‘monist’ country, meaning that it takes international law directly into domestic law. This could mean that, if it is recognised that the Act breaks international law, it will, therefore, break Rwanda domestic law.
The Oslo Peace Research Institute has surveyed the effect of warnings about migration rules as they affect third world countries. Knowledge of the situation to be faced in Europe varies, but most communities are aware of messaging not to travel. The effect on young adults has been minimal; indeed in some cases a better understanding of the bar on migrants has tended to raise expectations.
There has been a big increase this year in arrivals from Vietnam, higher even than among Afghans. Vietnam is known as one of the worst countries for modern slavery, so trafficking appears to be rife.
The All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Poverty and Migration combined this month to produce a report on the effect of recent migration laws. They considered that it was hard not to conclude that pushing claimants into poverty was a deliberate attempt at a deterrent. They recommended several changes to the processing of immigrants. The view that deterrence is not working is endorsed by this week’s report by some Calais-based charities, who note that heavy-handed action by French police to prevent the boats has encouraged the migrants to take to the boats more recklessly so as to avoid them, with dangerous consequences. This police action is funded by the British Government.
The latest numbers of arrivals have been reduced by bad weather – an increase is expected. 1st May saw 711 arrive by boat. The backlog of claimants awaiting processing was 83,000 in mid-April; the rate of processing has slowed in the last six months (the pre-2022 backlog, which the Prime Minister claimed had been cleared, still contains 2,300 people.) The Refugee Council anticipate that, under the new laws, 94,000 are likely to be in permanent limbo by the end of the year. Homelessness is also on the increase as asylum seekers are ejected from hotels after their claim is accepted. Finally, the conditions in the Bibby Stockholm have been described as ‘prison-like’ with severe overcrowding. An FOI request this week revealed that 1,871 children, who may be victims of modern slavery, have dropped off the register meant to support them up to the age of 18.
A depressing picture.
It was agreed the Group would monitor events for information on any proposed flights to Rwanda with a view to taking action, as previously, should Boscombe Down be the chosen airfield for departure.
May 2024
We are pleased to attach our latest monthly report covering the period mid April to mid May thanks to the work of group member Lesley in compiling it.
October 2023
We are pleased to attach the death penalty report for mid-September to mid-October 2023 thanks to group member Lesley for the work in compiling the information. The report mentions the World Day Against the Death Penalty in which several group members took part sending an email and/or an email to Singapore concerning its use of the penalty for drugs offences. Note as ever that China does not feature as the details are a state secret. The country is believed to execute more of its citizens than the rest of the world combined.
30 September 2022
“With so much injustice spanning the globe, sometimes it’s hard to remain hopeful that things will change for the better. Trust me, I know – I am often the bearer of bad news, writing to you with urgency of crises, crackdowns, and individuals at risk who have had their human rights violated. But today, we wanted to let you know that the actions of Amnesty supporters around the world really do count. They’ve not only made a meaningful impact for human rights both at home and abroad – but thy’ve also helped change lives.
“Small actions from compassionate people like you, really do have big impacts. Here are just a handful from the past few months:
The first families from Myanmar, Syria and Afghanistan arrived in Australia under a new Community Sponsorship pilot
“After years of relentless advocacy, at the end of 2021 the Australian Federal Government not only announced the rollout of a new Community Sponsorship pilot – they also finally agreed to reduce dramatically the cost of Australia’s existing Community Sponsorship Program, making it more accessible for everyday Australians to participate and welcome refugees into their communities. In August of this year (2022), the first families from Myanmar, Syria and Afghanistan arrived in Australia to begin their new lives in safety.
Charges were dropped against a New South Wales legal observer
“Under NSW’s new and dangerous anti-protest laws, back in June a volunteer Legal Observer faced a maximum sentence of 2 years in jail and a $22,000 fine, after being arrested alongside 34 protesters.
“Amnesty made representations to the NSW police, calling on them to respect the right to protest, as well as the human rights of the Legal Observer. In August, her charges were dropped. Over 30,000 supporters continue to call on the NSW police to protect our right to protest.
“Legal Observers play a vital role in monitoring police & providing legal support to protesters. Thanks to the relentless advocacy from Amnesty International, Legal Observers NSW and Sydney City Crime, my charges have been recently dropped.” – Chloe Sinclair, Legal Observer
Texas: Ramiro Gonzalez’ execution was stayed
“Back in July, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (TCCA) stayed the execution for Ramiro Gonzales – just 48 hours before it was due to be carried out in Texas. Experts concluded that Ramiro does not pose a threat of future danger to society, due to the passage of time and his significant maturity. As of April 2021, 108 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes and 144 countries have abolished it in law or practice – all thanks to the power of ordinary people, continuing to stand up for what’s right! Our fight for global abolition continues.
People power freed Ahmed Samir Santawy from prison in Egypt
“Back in July, Ahmed Samir Santawy, a women’s rights and reproductive rights researcher, was convicted of spreading “false news” and sentenced to three years imprisonment. He was subjected to enforced disappearance for five days. Ahmed’s conviction was based solely on social media posts criticising human rights violations in Egypt.
“Over 10,000 people in Australia signed the petition demanding Ahmed’s release, and almost 5,000 people called the Egyptian embassy, putting further pressure on authorities – and it worked. In August, Ahmed was finally released from prison after being given a presidential pardon. Thank you for helping free Ahmed!
Ahmed reunites with his loved ones on the day of his release. ©Wies De Graeve
New York: We sued the NYPD for surveillance of protesters – and we won!
“In New York, facial recognition technology has been used to target people of colour in protests. Back in 2020, we asked the the New York Police Department (NYPD) to publish their data on facial recognition – and they refused. So we mapped their surveillance cameras with the help of 7,000 supporters, filed a lawsuit against them, and won.
“In August, they were ordered to disclose thousands of records of how they procured and used facial recognition technology against Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters. This ruling recognizes that the NYPD broke the law in withholding this information and is a significant step in holding the NYPD accountable for its use of discriminatory surveillance.
LGBTQIA+ liberation soared across the globe
“Thanks to LGBTQIA+ people and their allies at the forefront, back in July Switzerland’s same-sex marriage laws finally came into effect after overwhelming support of its legalisation in a national referendum last year. In August, the government of Singapore passed historic legislation to end LGBTQIA+ criminalisation. Shortly after, Vietnamese authorities said that being LGBTQIA+ should not be treated as an illness. The Vietnamese Ministry of Health called on medical professionals to ensure LGBTQIA+ people are not discriminated against, calling for an end to dangerous conversion practices – something over 40,000 supporters in Australia continue to campaign against, too. Solidarity!”
It is good to report successes from time to time.
(From and Amnesty message – lightly edited. The original contained photographs)
UPDATE The Amnesty death penalty report is now to hand and can be accessed here.
The latest death penalty report is now available thanks to group member Lesley for the work in compiling it.
Note that China remains the world’s leader in executions but the details and statistics are a state secret.
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Amnesty in Salisbury & South Wiltshire 