The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has expressed its "consternation" following the execution of a French citizen in China. The individual, Chan Thao Phoumy, was convicted of drug trafficking in 2010 and was executed in Guangzhou, according to a statement from the ministry dated April 4.
The ministry confirmed the execution and reiterated France's long-standing opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances and in all places. French authorities stated they had been providing consular assistance to the individual since his arrest and had been in regular contact with his family.
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné conveyed France's firm condemnation of the execution directly to his Chinese counterpart. The case highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations regarding judicial practices and human rights.
