Canadian Government Responds to Executions of Citizens in China
The Canadian government condemned the execution of four Canadians in China for drug offenses, as announced by Minister Melanie Joly. The identities of the victims remain undisclosed for privacy reasons, while Joly emphasized ongoing support for their families. Notably, Robert Schellenberg, sentenced to death, was not among those executed, and Joly continues her appeals for his clemency.
The Canadian government has announced that four Canadians have been executed in China for drug-related offenses, a situation strongly condemned by Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly. She affirmed that Canada is opposed to the death penalty and called for leniency for Canadians facing such severe consequences.
Minister Joly indicated that these executions involved charges linked to drug-related criminal activities, although she refrained from disclosing the victims’ identities due to the families’ requests for privacy. The government is in communication with the families to provide support during this difficult period.
While she did not reveal the names of those executed, Joly clarified that Robert Schellenberg, a dual citizen from British Columbia who was sentenced to death for his involvement in a drug-smuggling operation, was not among them. Joly has consistently advocated for Schellenberg’s clemency in her meetings with Chinese officials since his sentencing in 2019. Despite his attempts to appeal, his death sentence remains unaltered, with no new updates provided since 2021.
In summary, the execution of four Canadians in China has prompted a strong response from the Canadian government, highlighting Canada’s opposition to the death penalty. Minister Joly’s commitment to support the families of the deceased and her continued advocacy for Robert Schellenberg underscores the serious implications of international drug offenses. The Canadian government remains engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent further executions and to seek justice for its citizens.
Original Source: www.rosslandnews.com
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