China executes French citizen, 62, over drug trafficking charges

• China has executed French citizen Chan Thao Phoumy, 62, for drug trafficking in Guangzhou, as confirmed by the French Foreign Ministry.
• Phoumy had been on death row for over 15 years, having been sentenced by a Chinese court in 2010.
• The French Foreign Ministry expressed "consternation" and regret that Phoumy's defence did not have access to the final court hearing, deeming it a violation of his rights.
• The Chinese Embassy in Paris stated that China treats all defendants equally and handles cases impartially and strictly according to the law.
• France, which abolished the death penalty in 1981, is a vigorous campaigner against its use, while China is considered the world's leading executioner.

IN FULL

China executes French citizen convicted of drug trafficking in 2010