Asia-Pacific News
Britain condemns execution of drug smuggler in China (Extra)
Dec 29, 2009, 5:56 GMT
London - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Tuesday he was 'appalled and disappointed' by China's decision to execute a British citizen for drug smuggling.
Akmal Shaik, 53, from London, was executed despite a last-minute plea by the British government early Tuesday. His family said he was suffering from a mental illness.
'I condemn the execution of Akmal Shaikh in the strongest terms, and am appalled and disappointed that our persistent requests for clemency have not been granted. I am particularly concerned that no mental health assessment was undertaken,' Brown said in a statement released in London.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband also condemned the execution. He said Britain was 'completely opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances.'
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Asia-Pacific
- 1. Chinese dissidents hail late democracy activist Fang Lizhi
- 2. China "worried" over planned North Korea rocket launch
- 3. Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi meets Karen rebels
- 4. Chinese schoolboy sells kidney to buy iPad, iPhone
- 5. Myanmar president invites Karen rebels to form party
Older Talkback
