Four Canadians with dual citizenship were executed in China on drug charges earlier this year. Their identities remain private at families’ request, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed.
China’s embassy stated the executions were justified by “solid evidence” of drug crimes. They noted China doesn’t recognize dual citizenship.
Canada’s Response
“We strongly condemn the executions,” Joly said. “I asked personally for leniency.”
Joly and former PM Justin Trudeau had tried for months to stop the executions. Canada continues to provide support to affected families.
Death Penalty in China
China executes more prisoners than any other country worldwide, though exact numbers remain secret. The death penalty applies to serious crimes including drug offenses.
Strained Relations
These executions come amid tense Canada-China relations, recently worsened by mutual trade tariffs. Relations have been difficult since Canada’s 2018 arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.
Canadian officials continue advocating for Robert Schellenberg, another Canadian sentenced to death for drug smuggling.