Death penalty, also known as capital punishment is a controversial form of punishment that is utilized by some countries for various crimes, including corruption and related offenses.
While the majority of nations have abolished the death penalty or restricted its use to heinous crimes, there are a few countries where public officials have been executed or face death for engaging in corrupt activities.
This article explores four countries where death penalty is imposed for corruption.
1. China
China is one of the countries that has been known to carry out executions for corruption-related offenses.
The Chinese government employs capital punishment for economic and political crimes, including bribery, embezzlement, and involvement in illegal activities.
However, several high-profile examples demonstrate the severity of punishment for corruption in China.
In 2011, Xu Maiyong, former vice mayor of Hangzhou City, and Jiang Renjie, vice mayor of Suzhou City, were executed for bribery amounting to $50 million.
These cases highlight the Chinese government’s strict stance against corruption.
2. North Korea
The North Korean regime has been reported to impose the death penalty for corruption-related offenses.
Notable instances include the execution of Kim Jong-un’s uncle, Chang Song-thaek, in 2013.
Chang, a high-ranking official, was accused of corruption, attempting to overthrow the state, and engaging in other activities against the regime.
Additionally, General Pyon In Son, the former chief of operations in the Korean People’s Army, was reportedly executed in 2015 for corruption and failure to follow orders. These cases reflect North Korea’s harsh approach to combating corruption within its ranks.
3. Iraq
Iraq has witnessed significant political and social upheaval, which has contributed to corruption within its governmental structures.
The country has utilized capital punishment for crimes against humanity, including corruption-related offenses.
Notably, Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as “Chemical Ali,” was executed in 2010 for crimes against humanity, including his involvement in the poison gas attack on the Kurdish region in 1988.
Al-Majid, who held several senior government positions, was implicated in smuggling and engaging in corrupt business deals.
His execution served as a symbol of accountability for corruption and human rights violations.
4. Iran
Iran is another country where capital punishment is employed for various offenses, including corruption.
Individuals convicted of large-scale embezzlement and corruption have been executed.
One notable case is that of Mahafarid Amir Khosravi, a businessman, who was executed in 2014 for his role in a fraudulent scheme involving the embezzlement of billions of dollars from Iran’s largest financial institution.