China has executed four Canadians in recent months, according to Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly. The cases involved dual citizens who were accused of drug-related offenses. Joly, along with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, had requested clemency for these individuals but their appeals were denied.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa stated that the executions were a result of serious drug crimes and emphasized that China does not recognize dual citizenship. Joly expressed strong condemnation of the executions, noting that they were all dual nationals. She mentioned that Canada consistently seeks leniency for its citizens facing the death penalty abroad.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy defended the actions, saying that China imposes strict penalties for drug-related crimes and that the evidence against the Canadians was clear and sufficient. They also urged the Canadian government to refrain from making what they called irresponsible remarks.
China is known for having one of the highest execution rates in the world, although exact figures are a state secret. Execution methods have included gunshots and, more recently, lethal injections. The Chinese government claims that it ensures the rights of foreign nationals involved in such cases.
The families of the executed Canadians have requested that their identities be kept private. Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the executions, highlighting China’s ongoing practice of capital punishment. The organization’s representative in Canada stated that these actions should serve as a wake-up call for the Canadian government regarding its relationship with China.
This troubling development comes on the heels of China imposing tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural imports in response to Canadian duties on Chinese electric vehicles and other products. Some Canadian lawmakers view the executions as a sign that China is not interested in improving relations with Canada.