Prime Ministers Who Were Sentenced to Death
Throughout history, very few world leaders have faced the ultimate punishment of a death sentence while serving as Prime Minister. Whether as a result of political upheavals, military coups, or convictions for war crimes, these cases are rare but highly significant, often marking pivotal moments in their countries’ histories. From Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in Pakistan to Hideki Tojo in Japan, the following leaders were sentenced to death during or after their tenure, leaving a lasting impact on both national and global politics.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto – Pakistan
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1973 to 1977. In 1978, he was sentenced to death for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to commit murder, a verdict that remains one of the most controversial in Pakistan’s political history. (Image Source: File)
Adnan Menderes – Turkey
Adnan Menderes served as the Prime Minister of Turkey from 1950 to 1960. Following a military coup in 1960, he was tried by a military court, sentenced to death, and executed in 1961. (Image Source: File)
Long Boret – Cambodia (Khmer Republic)
Long Boret served as the Prime Minister of the Khmer Republic from 1973 to 1975. He was captured by the Khmer Rouge, sentenced to death, and executed in April 1975. (Image Source: File)
Amir-Abbas Hoveyda – Iran
Amir-Abbas Hoveyda served as the Prime Minister of Iran from 1965 to 1977. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, he was tried by the Revolutionary Court, sentenced to death, and executed later that same year. (Image Source: File)
Ion Antonescu – Romania
Ion Antonescu served as the Prime Minister and Conducător (de facto ruler) of Romania from 1940 to 1944. After World War II, he was convicted of war crimes, sentenced to death, and executed in 1946. (Image Source: File)
Ferenc Szálasi – Hungary
Ferenc Szálasi served as the Prime Minister of Hungary under the Arrow Cross regime from 1944 to 1945. After World War II, he was tried for war crimes, sentenced to death, and executed in 1946. (Image Source: File)
Hideki Tojo – Japan
Hideki Tojo served as the Prime Minister of Japan from 1941 to 1944 during World War II. He was tried by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, sentenced to death, and executed in 1948.(Image Source: File)
