Canadian authorities have confirmed that four Canadian citizens were executed in China earlier this year on drug-related charges. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that all four were dual citizens, though their identities have been withheld for privacy reasons.
The Chinese embassy in Canada responded to Ottawa’s condemnation, urging Canadian officials to “stop making irresponsible remarks.” The executions come amid already tense diplomatic relations between the two countries, raising concerns about a further deterioration in ties.
China’s foreign ministry defended its actions, asserting that the executions were carried out “in accordance with the law.” The Chinese embassy in Canada further claimed there was “solid and sufficient” evidence to support the convictions and maintained that the rights of the individuals had been “fully guaranteed.” China also urged Canada to respect its “judicial sovereignty.”
China, which does not recognize dual citizenship, enforces strict penalties for drug offenses, with the death penalty among the possible punishments. However, executions of foreign nationals remain rare.
Joly revealed that she had been closely monitoring the cases for months and, along with other Canadian officials—including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—had made diplomatic efforts to halt the executions.
Global Affairs Canada spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod reiterated the government’s opposition to capital punishment, stating that Canada had “repeatedly called for clemency for these individuals at the senior-most levels and remains steadfast in its opposition to the use of the death penalty in all cases, everywhere.”
China’s use of the death penalty extends beyond drug-related crimes, also covering offenses such as corruption and espionage. While official execution figures remain secret, human rights organizations believe China carries out one of the highest numbers of executions globally.
Amnesty International Canada strongly condemned the executions, calling them “shocking and inhumane.” Ketty Nivyabandi, the organization’s secretary general, expressed sorrow for the victims’ families, describing the situation as “unimaginable.” She also voiced concern for other Canadian citizens currently on death row or detained in China’s prison system.