China overturns death sentence for Canadian convicted of drug smuggling
Highest court orders new trial in ‘independent’ ruling amid warming China-Canada ties following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit
Asked to comment on the ruling during a regular press briefing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that judicial authorities “independently adjudicated” the case and “rendered a verdict in accordance with the law”.
According to Agence France-Presse, a Canadian foreign ministry spokeswoman said the authorities were “aware of a decision” by the Chinese supreme court and that the ministry would continue to provide consular services to Schellenberg and his family.
“Canada has advocated for clemency in this case, as it does for all Canadians who are sentenced to the death penalty,” she said in a statement.