Amnesty International has expressed devastation following reports of Canadian citizens executed in China. The organization urges Canada to intensify efforts to protect its citizens and abolish the death penalty. The Canadian government acknowledged that an unspecified number of executions occurred this year. There is an ongoing call for justice for those imprisoned in China.
In light of reports regarding the execution of Canadian citizens in China in 2023, Ketty Nivyabandi, the Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada (English-speaking), expressed profound sorrow. She declared that these distressing executions serve as a crucial wake-up call for Canada, emphasizing the devastation felt for the victims’ families, who are grappling with unimaginable grief.
Additionally, Nivyabandi extended her thoughts to the families of other Canadian citizens who are either imprisoned or remain missing in the Chinese prison system. She highlighted the need for these families to receive answers and justice, which they have long been denied amidst prolonged separation and uncertainty.
France-Isabelle Langlois, the director general of Amnesty International Canada (francophone), articulated the organization’s firm stance against the death penalty in all circumstances. She stressed the importance of Canada enhancing its efforts to ensure the protection of its citizens overseas and urged the government to apply greater pressure on China to cease the application of capital punishment.
A recent article published in The Globe and Mail revealed that the Canadian government acknowledged an “unspecified number” of Canadians had been executed in China since early 2025. Global Affairs Canada has not disclosed the identities of the victims but confirmed its commitment to supporting their families.
Nivyabandi praised Canada for its vigorous condemnation of China’s actions and urged continued pressure on China to uphold the human rights of Canadians. She noted the specific cases of Huseyin Celil and Robert Schellenberg, whose families are urgently seeking justice.
Amnesty International’s latest report indicates that China continues to lead the world in executions. The organization reported that thousands of executions occurred in 2023, although the precise figures remain state secrets. Iran ranks second on the list, with at least 853 executions in the same year. It is well-documented that China frequently sentences individuals, including foreigners, to death for drug-related offenses.
The reports of Canadian citizens executed in China have prompted severe condemnation from human rights organizations and Canadian officials alike. Amnesty International calls for an end to the death penalty globally and encourages Canada to fortify its stance in protecting its citizens abroad. The ongoing plight of those on death row and their families underscores the urgent need for justice and answers in the face of such dire circumstances.
Original Source: amnesty.ca
