Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the reported executions of Canadian citizens in China, calling for increased action from Canada to protect its citizens and condemning the use of the death penalty. Global Affairs Canada has acknowledged these executions and is assisting the victims’ families, while Amnesty urges transparency and justice for all affected. China remains the leading country in executions, highlighting ongoing human rights issues.
Amnesty International has expressed profound dismay regarding reports of executed Canadian citizens in China. Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada (English-speaking), emphasized that these severe and inhumane acts should prompt a response from Canada. She expressed condolences to the victims’ families, noting the unimaginable burden they face in processing this trauma.
Nivyabandi further highlighted concerns for other Canadian citizens currently on death row or whose locations remain unverified within the Chinese prison system. She advocated for the rights of these individuals, stressing that their families deserve transparency and justice amidst prolonged uncertainty and anguish.
France-Isabelle Langlois, director general of Amnesty International Canada (francophone), reiterated the organization’s staunch opposition to the death penalty in all cases without exception. Langlois urged Canada to intensify efforts to protect its citizens abroad and to apply increased pressure on China to cease its use of capital punishment.
An article by The Globe and Mail recently revealed that the Canadian government acknowledged an “unspecified number” of Canadian executions in China since early 2025. Global Affairs Canada confirmed that they are assisting the victims’ families but withheld specific details about the individuals involved.
Nivyabandi praised Canada for its strong denouncement of China’s actions and called on Global Affairs Canada to persist in advocating for human rights for Canadians such as Huseyin Celil and Robert Schellenberg, whose families seek justice. The alarming issue of capital punishment in China, which reportedly leads the world in executions, reflects the need for global awareness.
In its recent death penalty report, Amnesty International indicated that China executed thousands in 2023, although details remain closely guarded by the state. In comparison, Iran, the second highest executor, recorded at least 853 executions last year. Drug-related offenses are a common reason for death sentences in China, impacting both local and foreign nationals.
The situation regarding the execution of Canadian citizens in China constitutes a tragic event, calling attention to broader human rights concerns. Amnesty International’s leadership and their firm stance against the death penalty emphasize the necessity for Canada to enhance its protective measures for its citizens and to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at altering China’s practices surrounding capital punishment. Advocacy for transparency and justice for affected families retains paramount importance, alongside international efforts to address the widespread use of the death penalty globally.
Original Source: amnesty.ca
