Canada's foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly said she and former prime minister Justin Trudeau had asked for clemency for the dual citizens after they were implicated in the alleged crimes.
China executed four Canadian nationals for drug crimes, sparking international condemnation. Canada's government and Amnesty International criticized the executions as inhumane. China defended its actions, citing its strict drug laws and equal treatment under the law. Trade tensions between the two countries are also present.
