China Executes Four Canadians Over Drug Charges, Drawing Global Condemnation

Canada denounces the executions as a violation of human dignity and continues pressing for clemency for other nationals facing death sentences in China.

China confirmed the execution of four Canadian citizens earlier this year on drug-related charges, despite repeated clemency appeals from Canadian officials.
The executed individuals were dual Canadian-Chinese citizens; China does not recognize dual citizenship and defended the executions as lawful under its strict anti-drug policies.
Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally appealed for leniency before the executions, which Canada has condemned as inconsistent with basic human dignity.
The identities of the executed individuals have been withheld at the request of their families, who are receiving consular support from the Canadian government.
The incident has further strained Canada-China relations, already tense due to trade disputes, allegations of election interference, and past diplomatic conflicts.