China executes 4 dual Canadian citizens despite Ottawa’s plea for clemency
Al JazeeraMAR 21
Ottawa: China Executed Four Canadians For Drug Crimes
Above: Mélanie Joly at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu on March 14, 2025. Image copyright: Andrej Ivanov/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
These executions violate human dignity and highlight China's increasingly aggressive stance toward Canada. The timing and number of executions are unprecedented, suggesting a politically motivated decision rather than purely judicial process. The PRC's justice system's 99% conviction rate and lack of transparency raise serious concerns about due process.
Pro-China narrative
China maintains strict sovereignty over its judicial system and applies laws equally to all defendants regardless of nationality. The evidence against those convicted was clear and solid, with all legal procedures followed correctly and consular rights protected. These cases represent China's consistent and necessary approach to combating serious drug crimes.