Canada confirms 4 citizens executed in China for drug offenses
What's the story
Four Canadian nationals were executed in China on drug-related charges earlier this year, confirmed Canadian authorities.
The individuals were dual citizens, and their identities have been kept confidential at the request of their families.
Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly condemned the executions as "irreversible and inconsistent with basic human dignity," adding she had personally sought leniency for them.
Diplomatic response
Chinese embassy defends execution, cites solid evidence
A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Canada defended the execution, saying the evidence against the Canadian nationals was "solid and sufficient."
The spokesperson asked Canada to "stop making irresponsible remarks."
The embassy further said China had "fully guaranteed the rights and interests of the Canadian nationals concerned," and called on Ottawa to respect "China's judicial sovereignty" in this matter.
Stance on executions
Canada advocates against death penalty, seeks clemency
Joly said she had been following these cases for months and had tried, along with other leaders including ex-prime minister Justin Trudeau, to stop the executions.
A Global Affairs Canada spokesperson reiterated Canada's death penalty stance, saying it had "repeatedly called for clemency for these individuals at the senior-most levels."
China imposes the death sentence for major offenses such as drugs, corruption, and espionage.
However, the death penalty is rarely used against foreigners.
Human rights response
Amnesty International condemns executions, calls for action
While the number of executions is not disclosed, human rights organizations think China has one of the highest execution rates in the world.
"These shocking and inhumane executions of Canadian citizens by Chinese authorities should be a wake-up call for Canada," said Ketty Nivyabandi of Amnesty International Canada, reacting to the latest execution.
She extended deep sympathy to the families of the victims and expressed concern for those on death row or whose whereabouts are unknown.
Past cases
Historical context: Previous death sentence for drug smuggling
Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg was sentenced to death in China for a high-profile drug smuggling in 2019.
However, he wasn't among the ones executed this year.
"We'll continue to not only strongly condemn but also ask for leniency for other Canadians that are facing similar situations," Canada's foreign minister said.