Canada condemned China’s execution of four Canadians for drug offenses, asserting opposition to the death penalty. The Canadian government had previously sought clemency and has a long-standing policy against capital punishment. China emphasized strict drug laws and judicial independence, leading to ongoing diplomatic tensions.

On Thursday, Canada expressed strong condemnation regarding China’s execution of four Canadians this year for drug-related offenses. This condemnation highlights Canada’s opposition to China’s application of the death penalty against its citizens, a position officially acknowledged by Canadian authorities the prior day.

MacLeod, a representative, indicated that Canada has repeatedly advocated for clemency for these individuals at the highest levels of government. In response, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy asserted that China enforces strict penalties for drug offenses and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug issues, claiming that the evidence against the Canadians was solid and compelling.

Following the news of the executions, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly communicated her ongoing concern, stating she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had urged China to show compassion. “We made sure to press on China how much we need to ensure that ultimately these Canadians would be safe,” she said. Joly confirmed that the executed individuals faced drug-related charges according to China’s legal system and noted their dual citizenship, although China does not recognize this status.

Global Affairs Canada continues to offer support to the families impacted by this tragedy. Joly reiterated Canada’s commitment to oppose the death penalty consistently and advocate for leniency for other Canadians facing similar predicaments. Canada maintains a long-standing stance against capital punishment, avoiding extraditions that may result in the death penalty.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning did not directly address the executions but emphasized that combating drug crime is a collective responsibility among nations. She remarked that China administers justice equitably, maintaining that its judicial proceedings adhere to the rule of law. Mao called upon Canada to respect China’s judicial sovereignty.

According to Amnesty International, China surpasses all nations in executions, with thousands reportedly carried out each year, although specific details remain classified. The organization ranks China among the highest for executions in 2023, alongside Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United States.

Chinese law stipulates severe penalties, including the death penalty, for serious drug offenses, with significant sentences for smuggling or manufacturing narcotics. However, Westerners are seldom executed. For instance, Canadian Robert Schellenberg faced a death sentence in 2019 over drug smuggling charges. He continues to assert his innocence, claiming he was wrongly accused within a conspiratorial network.

Despite his situation, Schellenberg was not among the four Canadians executed this year, and Global Affairs Canada persists in advocating on his behalf while supporting his family through consular assistance.

In summary, Canada has condemned China’s recent execution of four Canadian citizens for drug-related offenses, reaffirming its longstanding opposition to the death penalty. The Canadian government expressed ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of its citizens under Chinese law and has sought clemency for others in similar situations. China, in turn, defended its legal system while underscoring the need for all countries to collaborate in combating drug-related crimes. This incident highlights the ongoing tension surrounding capital punishment policies between nations.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com

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