Canada Condemns Execution of Citizens in China
The Canadian government has issued a strong denunciation of China following the execution of four Canadian nationals on drug trafficking charges. The executions have exacerbated existing diplomatic strains between the two nations.
Ottawa Expresses Firm Disapproval
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed on Wednesday that the four individuals, all holding dual citizenship, were executed earlier in the year. Minister Joly stated that Canada would appeal for leniency for other Canadians facing similar charges in China.
“Four Canadians have been executed, and we unequivocally condemn these actions,” Joly declared.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod stated that “Canada firmly condemns China’s application of the death penalty, a punishment that is irreversible and incompatible with fundamental human dignity.” In a statement to the Guardian, MacLeod added, “Canada consistently implored China for clemency for these individuals at the highest levels and remains unwavering in its opposition to capital punishment in all instances, globally.”
MacLeod mentioned that consular services are being provided to the bereaved families and requested that the media “respect their privacy during this difficult period.”
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China Defends Legal System
The Chinese embassy in Canada released a statement asserting that China is a “nation governed by the rule of law” and that those found guilty of violating laws “must face legal consequences.”
“Drug-related offenses are recognized globally as grave crimes with severe societal repercussions, and are subject to stringent penalties in all nations. China maintains a ‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding drug-related crimes and consistently imposes harsh punishments,” the embassy stated. It further added that “substantial and adequate” evidence existed in all cases where executions were carried out.
“Chinese judicial authorities handled these cases strictly according to legal procedures, fully safeguarding the rights and interests of the Canadian citizens involved,” the embassy affirmed.
China’s judicial system has a conviction rate exceeding 99%, a figure that has drawn skepticism and criticism from human rights organizations over many years.
The embassy urged Canada to “respect the rule of law and China’s judicial sovereignty” and to “refrain from making irresponsible comments” to facilitate improved relations between the two countries.
Background of Bilateral Tensions
The relationship between Canada and China deteriorated significantly between 2018 and 2022, commencing with the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a senior executive at Huawei Technologies, in Vancouver at the behest of U.S. authorities.
Following Meng’s detention in Canada, China swiftly detained and indicted two Canadians residing in China, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, eventually charging them with espionage.
The escalation of charges against a Canadian citizen further solidified the perception in Canada that China was engaging in “hostage diplomacy.”
Robert Schellenberg Case
In 2014, Canadian citizen Robert Schellenberg was accused of attempting to smuggle 225 kg of methamphetamine to Australia. Maintaining his innocence, he was initially sentenced to 15 years in prison in December 2018. However, during the height of diplomatic friction between China and Canada in 2019, this sentence was augmented to execution. Canada subsequently issued a travel advisory to its citizens planning to visit China.
MacLeod verified on Wednesday that Schellenberg remains in detention and that the Canadian government “continues to advocate for clemency” in his case.