Execution by shooting
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Execution by shooting is a form of capital punishment whereby an executed person is shot by a firearm or firearms. Execution by firing squad is a particular form.
It is the most common method of execution worldwide, used in about 70 countries.<ref name="Shot at dawn!">Shot at dawn!</ref>
In most countries, execution by a firing squad has historically been considered a more honorable death and was used primarily for military personnel.
In 20th century communist states, shooting has become a standard form of execution of civilans and military alike in, with the Soviet Union setting an example of single-executioner approach. The firing squad, with its usual solemn and lengthy ceremony was used infrequently. The most common way was firing a pistol bullet into the back of the head.
Image:Les mrtvych v Katyne.jpg Often the phrase "execution by firing squad" is incorrectly used to translate, for example, the Russian term "расстрел" (rasstrel), which, e.g., in the context of the Soviet Union in the height of the Great Purge, referred to a single-executioner shooting.
In some countries single-executioner shooting is still in use.
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[edit] Examples of single-executioner shooting
- As a form of the capital punishment in the People's Republic of China, either an assault rifle shot in the back of the head or in the neck is used or a shot by an automatic rifle in the back from behind, is used. In the past the government collected a "bullet fee"<ref name="Shot at dawn!">a</ref> from the relatives of the condemned.
- In Thailand prior to 2003, a single executioner would shoot the convict in the back from a mounted machine gun.
[edit] References
<references/>
- Zelitch, Judah. "Soviet Administration of Criminal Law". University of Pennsylvania Press, 1931
