Politics
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CANADA, ASIA, BEIJING, CANADA, CHINA, COM, EXTRADITION, HUAWEI, HUMAN RIGHTS, HUMAN_RIGHTS, INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS, JOLY, JUSTIN TRUDEAU, KE, MELANIE JOLY, MEXICO, NORTH AMERICA, OTTAWA, PARLIAMENT HILL, PRESS FREEDOM, UNITED STATES, VIOLENCE
Omar El-Sharif
China Executes Four Canadians, Canada Condemns Actions Led by Foreign Affairs Minister.
China executed four Canadians, leading to condemnation from Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, who had urged leniency. The incidents relate to drug charges, and while Canada supports the victims’ families, it remains unclear how many other Canadians face similar risks in China. Amnesty International criticized China’s execution practices, emphasizing the need for greater protection of citizens abroad.
On March 20, 2023, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced that China has executed four individuals who held dual Chinese and Canadian citizenship. These actions have been condemned by the Canadian government, which had previously urged China for leniency regarding these cases connected to drug offenses. Joly stated, “We strongly condemn the executions that did happen against Canadians in China.”
Further details regarding the executions remain scarce, and the Chinese embassy in Ottawa has not yet responded to inquiries. Joly emphasized her personal engagement in this matter, having closely monitored the situation for months and appealed directly to Beijing, echoing the efforts made by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She mentioned, “We made sure to press on China how much we needed to make sure that, ultimately, these Canadians would be safe.”
The Canadian government is actively supporting the families of the executed individuals and continuing dialogue with China while lobbying for leniency for other Canadians facing the death penalty. However, Joly refrained from disclosing the number of other Canadians at risk of execution, respecting family requests for privacy.
Amnesty International noted in a statement that China remains the leading nation in executions globally, reportedly carrying out thousands each year. The organization criticized Beijing’s actions and acknowledged Canada’s condemnation, encouraging further protection for citizens abroad. Ketty Nivyabandi, secretary general of Amnesty International Canada, expressed sorrow for the victims’ families, stating, “We are devastated for the families of the victims… They deserve answers and justice, not the sickening worry they have been subjected to…”
The relationship between Canada and China has been tense in recent years, notably following the 2018 arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei, which led to the arrest of Canadian citizens on espionage charges as a supposed retaliatory measure. The geopolitical ramifications of these events continue to affect diplomatic relations between the two nations.
In conclusion, the execution of four Canadians by China has been met with strong condemnation from Canada, emphasizing the ongoing tensions in the relationship between the two countries. The Canadian government continues to advocate for the safety of its citizens abroad, while facing challenges in the context of international human rights. Amnesty International’s criticism of China’s practices highlights the broader implications for the treatment of individuals on death row.
Original Source: www.upi.com
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