Amnesty International is horrified by reports of executed Canadian citizens in China. Officials call for urgent action from Canada to protect its citizens and condemn China’s use of the death penalty. The Canadian government confirmed these executions but has not disclosed victims’ identities, stressing the need for justice for families affected by these tragedies.
Amnesty International is reeling from reports indicating that China has executed multiple Canadian citizens this year. Ketty Nivyabandi, the Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, emphasized the need for Canada to reevaluate its response to these developments, expressing profound sympathy for the families impacted by these inhumane acts. She stated that they must endure unimaginable grief and uncertainty.
Nivyabandi also extended her thoughts to families of Canadian citizens who remain on death row or are unaccounted for within China’s prison system, advocating for their right to answers and justice after prolonged separation.
France-Isabelle Langlois, the Director General of Amnesty International Canada francophone, reiterated the organization’s staunch opposition to the death penalty in all cases, stressing the need for Canada to enhance protections for its citizens abroad. She called for stronger diplomatic pressure on China to cease its application of the death penalty.
The Canadian government acknowledged these executions in a recent The Globe and Mail article, confirming that an unspecified number of Canadians have been executed in China since the beginning of 2025. Global Affairs Canada has pledged support to the bereaved families but has withheld information on the victims.
Despite the dire situation, Nivyabandi commended Canada for its firm condemnation of China, urging Global Affairs Canada to continue advocating for the human rights of Canadians like Huseyin Celil and Robert Schellenberg, whose families seek justice.
China’s death penalty practices are alarming, as it reportedly executes more individuals than any other nation. According to Amnesty International’s recent global death penalty report, thousands were executed in China in 2023, although precise figures remain classified. In comparison, Iran, ranked second, executed at least 853 people in the same year. Foreigners, including Canadians, are frequently sentenced to death in China for drug-related offenses.
Amnesty International has expressed grave concern over the reported executions of Canadians in China, calling for a reassessment of Canada’s diplomatic actions. The organization remains staunchly opposed to the death penalty and advocates for the rights of imprisoned Canadians. The Canadian government’s acknowledgment of these deaths highlights a pressing need for stronger measures to protect citizens abroad and ensure justice for affected families.
Original Source: amnesty.ca
