Canada Confirms China's Execution of Four Dual Citizens

Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed that China executed four Canadian citizens earlier this year on drug smuggling charges, a move she strongly condemned. Joly stated that all four were dual citizens and that the Canadian government has consistently sought clemency for its citizens facing the death penalty abroad. The Chinese embassy in Ottawa responded by affirming the severity of penalties for drug-related crimes and urged Canada to cease what it termed 'irresponsible remarks.' Amnesty International Canada expressed devastation over the executions and called for greater pressure on China to respect human rights, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding Canadians held on death row. The strained relations between Canada and China have been exacerbated by recent trade tensions, including retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on Canadian agricultural products. The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of Canadians in foreign legal systems, particularly in China.