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France Condemns China's Execution of French Citizen Convicted of Drug Trafficking
France has condemned the execution of French citizen Chan Thao Phoumy by China, who was convicted of drug trafficking and held on death row for over 15 years. The execution occurred in Guangzhou, despite French appeals for clemency. The French Foreign Ministry stated that Phoumy's defense was denied access to the final court hearing.
Apr 5, 6:50 AM·1m read1 source
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PARIS -- The French Foreign Ministry announced that China executed French citizen Chan Thao Phoumy, aged 62, in Guangzhou, southern China. Phoumy had been convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death by a Chinese court in 2010, remaining on death row for more than 15 years.
The ministry issued a statement late Saturday confirming the execution, though it did not specify the exact date it was carried out.
The French Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the denial of access to the final court hearing for Phoumy's defense, describing it as a violation of his rights. French authorities had appealed for clemency on his behalf. The ministry extended condolences to Phoumy's family.
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Paris issued a statement on Sunday stating that China treats defendants of all nationalities equally and handles cases in accordance with the law. The statement did not refer to Phoumy by name. This execution highlights ongoing differences in judicial practices between the two nations.
France abolished the death penalty through parliamentary legislation in 1981 and has advocated internationally for its global abolition. China continues to apply capital punishment, typically through firing squads or lethal injections, with limited public disclosure of details.
Amnesty International reports that China carries out thousands of executions annually, making it the country with the highest number worldwide.
The case involves a French national arrested in China, where drug trafficking convictions often result in severe penalties under Chinese law. Phoumy's prolonged time on death row reflects delays in the appeals process. Affected parties include Phoumy's family in France and bilateral relations between the two countries.
