Iran
Currently consuming news headlines for its alleged nuclear weapons program, the Islamic Republic of Iran is also one of the world's most prolific executioners. Though murder is indeed a capital offense in Iran, so too, according to Amnesty International, are less egregious (and certainly less definable) offenses such as "apostasy." Iran has also essentially criminalized homosexuality, as sodomy charges have led to a series of hangings in recent years. With 314 known executions in 2012, Iran comes in second on Amnesty International's list of offenders. (AP Photo)
