Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced that China had executed four Canadian citizens in recent months, a rare occurrence for Westerners. Joly stated that both she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had personally appealed for clemency in the drug-related cases involving the individuals, all of whom held dual citizenship.
China’s embassy in Ottawa defended the executions, emphasizing its strict penalties for drug crimes and its non-recognition of dual nationality. Joly strongly condemned the actions, reaffirming Canada’s consistent opposition to the death penalty and its ongoing advocacy for clemency for Canadians facing capital punishment abroad.
Out of respect for the families, the government has withheld the identities of the executed individuals. Meanwhile, Canada continues to seek clemency for Robert Schellenberg, a Canadian sentenced to death in China for drug smuggling.
The executions come amid growing diplomatic and trade tensions between the two nations. China recently imposed tariffs on Canadian agricultural products in response to Canada’s duties on Chinese electric vehicles and steel. Analysts suggest that Beijing is using economic and political pressure to influence Canada’s stance.
Amnesty International denounced the executions, highlighting China’s high execution rate. The organization urged Canada to reassess its approach to China, calling the situation a wake-up call.
