PM slams man's execution in China

Dec 29 2009

Gordon Brown has condemned the execution in China of a Briton convicted of drug smuggling after pleas for a last-minute reprieve on the grounds of mental illness fell on deaf ears.

Akmal Shaikh, 53, was put to death after losing a final appeal last week against his conviction for smuggling heroin.

His execution sparked outrage among campaigners who said he was mentally ill and had been suffering from delusions when he was arrested in Urumqi, north west China, in September 2007.

In a statement, Mr Brown said he was "appalled" and "disappointed" by the execution and offered his condolences to the Shaikh family.

He said: "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 said: "I condemn in the strongest terms the execution of the British national Akmal Shaikh. I join the Prime Minister in expressing my deepest condolences to Mr Shaikh's family and friends.

"The UK is completely opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances. However I also deeply regret the fact that our specific concerns about the individual in this case were not taken into consideration despite repeated calls by the Prime Minister, ministerial colleagues and me.

"These included mental health issues, and inadequate professional interpretation during the trial."