Saddam to Sheikh Hasina: 9 world leaders who were sentenced to death after political upheavals

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Bangladesh has announced its toughest verdict yet against a former leader, sentencing ex–Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for alleged crimes against humanity during the 2024 student protests. But there is one major issue — Hasina is not in Bangladesh. She has been living in India for more than a year, beyond the reach of the court that issued the sentence. These cases highlight how fast political power can shift — and how struggles for control can change the direction of entire nations. Here is a look at well-known leaders who were given death sentences and the events that led them there.

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President (1950–1960) | Prime Minister (1937–1939) After the 1960 military coup in Turkey, Celal Bayar was sentenced to death for allegedly violating the constitution. His sentence was later changed to life imprisonment, and he was released in 1964 due to his age and health. He remains one of Turkey’s most debated leaders.

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2. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto – Pakistan President (1971–1973); Prime Minister (1973–1977) Bhutto was removed from office by General Zia-ul-Haq in a military coup. He was put on trial in a highly disputed murder case and was hanged on April 4, 1979. His execution continues to divide political opinion in Pakistan.

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3. Adnan Menderes – Turkey Prime Minister (1950–1960) Menderes was overthrown in the 1960 coup and accused of abusing power and breaking constitutional rules. He was executed on September 17, 1961, a moment often remembered as one of Turkey’s darkest political events.

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4. Benito Mussolini – Italy Prime Minister (1922–1943) After Italy turned against him at the end of World War II, Mussolini was captured by Italian partisans and shot dead on April 28, 1945. His death symbolized the end of fascism in Italy.

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5. Imre Nagy – Hungary Prime Minister (1953–1955, 1956) Imre Nagy led Hungary during the 1956 uprising against Soviet rule. After the revolt failed, he was secretly tried and executed on June 16, 1958. Years later, he was honored as a national hero.

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6. Saddam Hussein – Iraq President (1979–2003) Captured by US forces in 2003, Saddam Hussein was tried by an Iraqi court for crimes against humanity. He was found guilty and hanged on December 30, 2006, marking the end of his decades-long rule.

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7. Hideki Tojo – Japan Prime Minister (1941–1944) Tojo led Japan during most of World War II. After Japan surrendered, he was tried for war crimes and executed by hanging on December 23, 1948.

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8. Pervez Musharraf – Pakistan President (2001–2008) Musharraf received a death sentence in a 2019 high-treason case, but the verdict was later overturned. He lived abroad for years and passed away in 2023.

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9. Sheikh Hasina – Bangladesh Prime Minister (1996–2001, 2009–2024) Sheikh Hasina was reportedly sentenced to death on November 17, 2025, following political turmoil and accusations brought by the new regime. She has been living in India, and the case has drawn global concern, with international groups demanding fairness and transparency. The political situation remains tense and uncertain.