State-sponsored murder or justice? More than 26 million people have been executed since 1900. But less than 10% have committed any real crime, other than belonging to the "wrong" religion, race or political party.
An objective look at the cultural, social and historical context of the death penalty, "Executions" offers a rare insight into the rights and wrongs of the ultimate act of retribution.
It chronicles its use in the 20th century and examines the tools of the executioner's grim trade. It questions so-called "humane" execution and in doing so indicts the mass murderers of barbarous regimes.
The image of death, drawn from around the world, are as shocking as they are tragic. But only by witnessing them and understanding their background can you hope to decide yourself when, if ever, execution is the punishment that fits the crime.
