The long-standing issue of China's appalling record in human rights is finally getting the attention it has required for many years. Why? - Because for the first time in over fifty years, China has executed an EU national.
It is appalling that Akmal Shaikh, a 53-year-old, father-of-three, from London, has been executed after being in custody for the past two-years. This is despite pleading his innocence and reportedly suffering from a mental illness. Mr Shaikh's grieving family tried their best to appeal to the Chinese authorities but no assessment was ever carried out on his mental state. He had, apparently travelled to China after being promised by drug dealers that they would make him a pop star in the country. They then duped him into carrying a suitcase that did not belong to him and that contained just over 4 Kg of heroin.
The Chinese authorities say that this amount of heroin is "enough to cause 26,800 deaths". This was a case of serious drug trafficking, according to the Chinese embassy. So, is it fair to assume that, like several other countries, China merely has a strict judicial policy towards drug smuggling and that execution is a last resort? Was Mr Shaikh's case being used by China to send out a message to other drug-smugglers, demonstrating that they will be dealt with severely if caught? The simple answer is no. One only has to look at the statistics to see China's disgusting and shameful record in human rights. Amnesty International estimates that in 2008, China was responsible for 72% of all executions across the globe. Over 1700 people killed, usually by gunshot, in the name of justice. Those executed were not all murderers and drug dealers either; there were at least sixty of those people that were convicted of crimes such as tax-evasion and embezzlement.
Amnesty has been appealing for action on China's record of disregarding human rights for many years. They highlight cases such as that of Zhao Lianhai, whose "crime" was to campaign for justice after his son was one of many made ill by contaminated milk powder in 2008. Zhao was arrested at his home on 13th November this year. He is being detained at the Daxing District Police Station in Beijing, where he is in grave danger of torture and abuse.
Another prominent charity, Human Rights Watch, reports the case of Liu Xiaobo, who as a leading intellectual, had already been imprisoned for almost two-years after the "Tiananmen crackdown". He is currently under arrest and awaiting trial for “incitement to subvert state power”. In simple terms, he is judged to have been critical of the government and the party in articles he authored in previous years and by contributing to “Charter ‘08,” a political manifesto that calls for China to adhere to its responsibilities and commitment to human rights.
Liu has been detained without charge for over a year and faces 15-years in prison. His trial, which was due to begin on December 23rd, will be held in closed court, his wife and other supporters have been warned to stay away and have been placed under police surveillance.
Now that China has openly abused the human rights of a 'Westerner' the issue is finally getting the attention it has deserved for a long time. China needs the support of the international community if it is to develop as a nation, it relies on trade with the west and is looking to place itself at the forefront of world affairs. It is essential that the rest of the world acts and unites in disgust at this latest flagrant disregard for justice and humanity. World leaders must assert that only nations who demonstrate respect and commitment to human rights will be permitted a seat at the table.
The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown released a statement saying: "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.
"At this time our thoughts are with Mr Shaikh's family and friends and I send them our sincere condolences."
Foreign Secretary David Miliband added to condemnation of the execution, reiterating that the UK is opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances. He also expressed regret that in the case of Mr Shaikh, "mental health issues, and inadequate professional interpretation" had been ignored.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy stated that "The legal structures of China and UK may be different, but it should not stand in the way of enhancing our bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect."
No expression of regret, just the inflated ego of a regime that has gotten away with crimes against humanity for so long that it now thinks it can continue to do so openly. Asking for respect after an action such as this is an insult to international diplomacy and the international community.
My condolences to the family of Akmal Shaikh, may he rest in peace.
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