In a press briefing on Thursday, the Chinese mainland urged Canada to respect the spirit of the rule of law and refrain from interfering in its judicial sovereignty. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed remarks made after reports that Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly had stated that the Chinese mainland executed four Canadian citizens on drug-related charges in recent months.
Mao Ning emphasized that combating drug-related crimes is a shared global responsibility. She noted that the judicial authorities in the Chinese mainland handle such cases strictly in accordance with the law, ensuring that everyone is treated equally regardless of nationality. The lawful rights of the defendants and the consular rights of the Canadian side are fully protected under the law.
This development has sparked discussions among legal experts, diplomats, and global citizens about the balance between national sovereignty and international scrutiny. The call to respect judicial sovereignty underscores the importance of impartial legal processes that uphold fairness and integrity in addressing complex issues like drug-related offenses.
As debates continue on international platforms, this incident serves as a reminder that maintaining robust and unbiased judicial systems is essential for fostering mutual respect and global cooperation.
Reference(s):
China urges Canada not to interfere in its judicial sovereignty
cgtn.com