9 World Leaders Sentenced to Death in Modern History

Across the modern political landscape, several national leaders have faced death sentences—often during moments of extreme instability, military coups, or sweeping regime changes. While some executions were carried out, others were overturned or later viewed as historic injustices. These cases highlight how quickly political authority can collapse, and how shifts in power can reshape the fate of entire nations.

Here are nine prominent world leaders who were sentenced to death, and the events that led them to this turning point.

1. Celâl Bayar – Turkey

President (1950–1960) | Prime Minister (1937–1939)
Following Turkey’s 1960 military coup, Bayar was sentenced to death on charges linked to constitutional violations. His sentence was later commuted due to age and health, and he was released in 1964. He remains one of the country's most debated political figures.

2. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto – Pakistan

President (1971–1973); Prime Minister (1973–1977)
Bhutto was ousted in a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq. Convicted in a controversial political murder case, he was executed by hanging on April 4, 1979. His execution remains a deeply divisive issue in Pakistan’s political discourse.

3. Adnan Menderes – Turkey

Prime Minister (1950–1960)
After the 1960 coup, Menderes was tried for violating the constitution and abusing power. He was executed on September 17, 1961—an event widely considered one of the darkest moments in Turkey’s democratic history.

4. Benito Mussolini – Italy

Prime Minister (1922–1943)
As World War II ended, Mussolini was captured by Italian partisans and executed on April 28, 1945. His death marked the symbolic collapse of fascism in Italy.

5. Imre Nagy – Hungary

Prime Minister (1953–1955, 1956)
Nagy led Hungary during the 1956 anti-Soviet uprising. Following the revolt’s failure, he was arrested, secretly tried, and executed on June 16, 1958. Decades later, he was honoured as a national hero.

6. Saddam Hussein – Iraq

President (1979–2003)
Captured after the 2003 invasion, Hussein was tried by an Iraqi tribunal for crimes against humanity. He was executed by hanging on December 30, 2006, ending one of the Middle East’s most authoritarian regimes.

7. Hideki Tojo – Japan

Prime Minister (1941–1944)
Tojo led Japan through much of World War II. Following Japan’s surrender, he was convicted of war crimes and executed on December 23, 1948.

8. Pervez Musharraf – Pakistan

President (2001–2008)
Musharraf was sentenced to death in absentia in a 2019 high-treason case. The ruling was later annulled. He passed away in 2023.

9. Sheikh Hasina – Bangladesh

Prime Minister (1996–2001, 2009–2024)
Reports indicate that Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death on November 17, 2025, amid political unrest and allegations raised by a newly emerging regime. The development has triggered widespread global concern, with calls for transparency, judicial fairness, and international oversight. The political climate remains volatile, and regional reactions continue to evolve.