Canadian Robert Schellenberg sentenced to death in China for drug trafficking, PM Justin Trudeau vows to ‘intercede’
- Retrial of 36-year-old former oil worker Robert Schellenberg on methamphetamine charges plays out against background of international tensions
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused China of ‘arbitrarily’ applying the death penalty against Schellenberg
A Chinese court on Monday sentenced Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg to death for drug trafficking in a dramatic turn of events that prompted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to vow to “intercede” in the case.
Trudeau expressed “extreme concern” and accused Beijing of “arbitrarily” applying the death sentence against Schellenberg.
In his strongest comments yet against China, Trudeau said “all countries around the world” should be concerned by Beijing’s behaviour.
China’s official Xinhua news agency had earlier reported that the Dalian Intermediate People’s Court tried Schellenberg “in accordance with the law” and handed down the death penalty. The court also ruled that all his property would be confiscated. Schellenberg can now appeal the decision.
“The court will later announce more detailed information on the trial,” Xinhua said on Monday evening. The retrial on Monday was attended by about 70 observers including a small group of foreign journalists.
