The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “strongly condemned” the executions of several citizens of the country in China, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Canada Global Affairs confirmed Wednesday that the unspecified citizens were executed earlier this year. Revelation was first reported by Globe and Mail.
“Canada strongly condemns China’s use of the death penalty, which is irreversible with basic human dignity and is inconsistent with basic dignity,” GAC spokesman Charlotte MacLeod said in a statement to the Guardian. “Canada repeatedly calls on these people to be lenient on the high level and firmly opposes the use of the death penalty in all cases, in all cases.”
McLeod said Canada is providing consular assistance to victims’ families and asked the media about “respecting family privacy during this difficult time.”
China’s embassy in Canada said in a statement that it is a “rule of law” country and that anyone convicted of violating the law must be held liable.
Drug-related crimes are serious crimes that are considered extremely harmful to society worldwide and will face severe penalties from all countries. China has always imposed severe penalties on drug-related crimes, and maintained a “zero tolerance” attitude towards the embassy and a “zero tolerance” attitude towards the embassy.
“The Chinese judicial authorities have handled cases strictly in accordance with the law and have fully guaranteed the rights and interests of Canadian nationals.”
China’s conviction rate is more than 99%, a result that has attracted skepticism and criticism from human rights groups over the years.
The embassy called on Canada to “respect the rule of law and China’s judicial sovereignty” and “stop making irresponsible remarks” to improve relations with the two countries.
Relations between the two countries reached their lowest point between 2018 and 2022, when Huawei Telecom Chief Executive Meng Wangzhou was arrested in Vancouver at the request of U.S. authorities.
Her detention in Canada prompted China to quickly detain and accused two Canadians living in the country, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who eventually used espionage to attract the couple.
But in Canada, allegations against a Canadian Canadian raise doubts about China’s engagement in “hostage diplomacy.”
In 2014, Canadian citizen Robert Schellenberg was accused of attempting to smuggle 225 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia. He insisted on his innocence, but in December 2018 he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The allegation was escalated to execution in 2019 during a diplomatic quarrel between China and Canada. At that time, Canada issued a travel warning to Chinese citizens.
MacLeod confirmed on Wednesday that Schellenberg was still in custody and said the federal government “continues to advocate for leniency.”
