China Executes French Citizen After 15 Years on Death Row for Drug Trafficking

• •Chan Thao Phoumy was executed in China after 15 years on death row for drug trafficking.
• •France condemned the execution, citing violations of legal rights and lack of access to defense.
• •The case may strain diplomatic relations between France and China over human rights concerns.

France has confirmed the execution of Chan Thao Phoumy, a 62-year-old French citizen, in Guangzhou, China, after he was convicted of drug trafficking in 2010. Despite appeals for clemency from French authorities, the execution proceeded, leading to France expressing 'consternation' and condemning the violation of his rights, as his defense team was denied access to the final court hearing. The French Foreign Ministry reiterated its opposition to the death penalty and called for its universal abolition. China's response emphasized its impartial legal treatment of defendants and the shared responsibility of combating drug crimes. The execution raises tensions between France and China, particularly regarding human rights issues. Chan's case highlights the ongoing debate over the death penalty and its application in China, where thousands are believed to be executed annually. Amnesty International has long criticized China's use of capital punishment as secretive and extensive.