CANADA outraged as CHINA executes CANADIANS over drug crimes
In this DML Report…
China has executed four Canadian citizens on drug-related charges, prompting a strong reaction from Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly on March 19, 2025. Joly confirmed the executions involved dual citizens and occurred despite direct pleas for clemency from both her and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Canada condemned China’s use of the death penalty, highlighting ongoing diplomatic friction between the two nations. The executions took place earlier in 2025, though exact dates remain undisclosed by both Ottawa and Beijing.
China’s embassy in Ottawa defended the executions, stating they were lawful responses to drug crimes, emphasizing the country’s strict “zero tolerance” policy. Beijing does not recognize dual citizenship, treating the individuals solely as Canadian nationals involved in narcotics offenses. The embassy claimed the evidence against them was “solid and sufficient,” though specifics about the cases, including names or trial details, were not released. Meanwhile, Canada continues to seek clemency for Robert Schellenberg, another Canadian facing execution for drug smuggling since his 2019 sentencing.
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The international response has been sharp, with Canada’s government and media outlets like Reuters and The Globe and Mail reporting on the executions as a point of contention. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning argued that combating drug crimes is a global responsibility and urged Canada to respect China’s judicial sovereignty. Ottawa’s Global Affairs department and the Chinese embassy both declined to disclose the number of Canadians executed beyond the confirmed four or identify them, leaving broader implications for other Canadians in Chinese custody unclear as of March 20, 2025.