The executions raise concerns about the safety of Canadians and the strained ties between Canada and China following recent diplomatic disputes.
China Executes Four Dual Canadian Citizens on Drug Charges Amid Tensions with Ottawa
China Executes Four Dual Canadian Citizens on Drug Charges Amid Tensions with Ottawa
Canada's foreign minister confirms the executions, citing the need for clemency in light of deteriorating diplomatic relations.
China executed four Canadians for drug-related offenses earlier this year, as confirmed by Canadian officials. The identities of the individuals, who were dual citizens, remain confidential. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that she had been closely monitoring the situation, attempting along with other government officials, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to advocate for their clemency.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada has reportedly called for Ottawa to refrain from "irresponsible remarks," signaling potential escalations in diplomatic relations between the two nations, which have already deteriorated in recent years. China’s foreign ministry maintains that the actions taken were "in accordance with the law" and asserted that there is ample evidence against the accused.
Notably, China does not recognize dual citizenship and applies severe penalties for drug-related offenses, though it is uncommon for such sentences to extend to foreign nationals. The cases have drawn attention from human rights advocates, with Amnesty International Canada's Ketty Nivyabandi expressing outrage over what they characterize as inhumane executions and calling for a more protective approach to Canadian citizens facing legal issues abroad.
Global Affairs Canada reiterated its longstanding opposition to the death penalty and stated that it had consistently sought clemency for these individuals. The cases also echo past scenarios involving Canadian nationals in China, such as Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was sentenced to death for drug smuggling in a widely discussed case.
Relations between Canada and China have remained fraught since 2018, triggered by Canada's arrest of a Chinese telecom executive at the behest of the United States, resulting in the subsequent detention of two Canadian citizens who have since been released. Persistent allegations of foreign interference in Canadian elections and recent trade disputes have further strained ties, complicating the diplomatic landscape.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada has reportedly called for Ottawa to refrain from "irresponsible remarks," signaling potential escalations in diplomatic relations between the two nations, which have already deteriorated in recent years. China’s foreign ministry maintains that the actions taken were "in accordance with the law" and asserted that there is ample evidence against the accused.
Notably, China does not recognize dual citizenship and applies severe penalties for drug-related offenses, though it is uncommon for such sentences to extend to foreign nationals. The cases have drawn attention from human rights advocates, with Amnesty International Canada's Ketty Nivyabandi expressing outrage over what they characterize as inhumane executions and calling for a more protective approach to Canadian citizens facing legal issues abroad.
Global Affairs Canada reiterated its longstanding opposition to the death penalty and stated that it had consistently sought clemency for these individuals. The cases also echo past scenarios involving Canadian nationals in China, such as Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was sentenced to death for drug smuggling in a widely discussed case.
Relations between Canada and China have remained fraught since 2018, triggered by Canada's arrest of a Chinese telecom executive at the behest of the United States, resulting in the subsequent detention of two Canadian citizens who have since been released. Persistent allegations of foreign interference in Canadian elections and recent trade disputes have further strained ties, complicating the diplomatic landscape.
