Canada has confirmed that four of its citizens were executed in China on drug-related charges earlier this year. The executions were carried out without disclosure of the individuals’ identities due to their dual citizenship status.
The move comes as strained relations between Canada and China continue to deteriorate since 2018, when Canada detained a Chinese telecom executive on a US extradition request. Relations have been further complicated by recent incidents such as retaliatory tariffs imposed on Canadian farm products in response to Ottawa’s levying of electric vehicles, steel, and aluminium.
Canadian authorities say they have repeatedly called for clemency and remain steadfast in their opposition to the death penalty. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly expressed disappointment and concern about the executions, which she described as “shocking and inhumane”.
Amnesty International Canada has condemned the executions, stating that they should serve as a wake-up call for Canada to re-evaluate its relations with China. The country’s high execution rate raises concerns over human rights, particularly for Canadians detained or imprisoned abroad.
Canada’s relations with China have been marred by several recent incidents, including the detention of Meng Wanzhou, a Chinese telecom executive, on a US extradition request in 2018. Two Canadian citizens were subsequently arrested and released after serving time in Chinese custody.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c204ywyl4kvo