Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia this November 17, for ordering a deadly crackdown on a student uprising in 2024, in which up to 1,400 protesters may have died. She was also given a life sentence for crimes against humanity. The verdict, delivered under tight security, has sparked concerns of further unrest ahead of the 2026 elections.
Globally, women are far less likely than men to face capital punishment, though history shows many have been executed for crimes ranging from adultery to political dissent. While the majority of modern death row convicts are men, infamous cases of women executed throughout history continue to capture public attention.
From accused witches to spies and queens, women from all walks of life have met brutal deaths at the end of a rope, the executioner's axe, and so on. Click through the following gallery to remember the most infamous executions of women in history.