In a published statement ahead of the visit, Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance, Dr Lars Castellucci, issued a statement on the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, emphasizing the incompatibility of the practice with human dignity. The statement, released on 26th April 2026, underscored Germany’s continued opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances, aligning with the position of all EU member states. The statement does not address Germany’s own legal system or its stance on international justice initiatives.
Context
Castellucci’s remarks represent a continuation of Germany’s longstanding, albeit largely unilateral, effort to pressure states to abolish capital punishment. The announcement is framed within the context of a globally concerning trend, as evidenced by Amnesty International’s data. The statement highlights the continued high number of executions globally, representing a significant setback in the decades-long effort to reduce this practice. The figure of 2707 executions carried out in 2025, the highest since 1981, is a stark reminder of the continued prevalence of the death penalty in various parts of the world. The statement does not mention the specific countries where executions took place beyond Iran and Lebanon.
What to Watch
The statement’s focus on Iran, with at least 2159 executions recorded in 2025 – more than double the previous year – suggests a heightened level of concern regarding the regime’s human rights record. The criticism of Iran’s use of executions as a deterrent against protesters and activists reveals a strategic element to Germany’s approach. Should the visit to Lebanon yield further positive developments, it could strengthen Germany’s argument for a regional shift away from capital punishment. The statement does not mention the specific conditions or mechanisms for Lebanon’s decision.
The acknowledgement of the abolition of the death penalty in Lebanon, the first country in the Middle East to take this step, represents a notable, if limited, success. The statement offers congratulations to Lebanon, but the statement does not address the potential implications of this decision for broader human rights advocacy in the region. The ongoing trend of increasing executions, particularly in Iran, creates a challenging environment for Germany’s efforts, particularly given the statement’s lack of concrete proposals for direct intervention.
The statement’s call for an immediate moratorium on executions in Iran remains a long-term objective. The statement does not mention any specific diplomatic initiatives or leverage Germany intends to employ in pursuit of this goal. The continued high number of executions, as reported by Amnesty International, underscores the urgency of the situation.
