By Our Correspondent

National News – France has expressed deep outrage after China executed Chan Thao Phoumy, a 62-year-old French national born in Laos, for drug trafficking.

The French Foreign Ministry confirmed the execution on Saturday, noting it occurred despite efforts to secure a humanitarian pardon.

Chan was sentenced in 2010, and his defense team reportedly did not have access to his final court hearing, raising concerns over violations of legal rights.

The execution took place in Guangzhou, southern China, prompting renewed calls for the global abolition of the death penalty.

French authorities stated that they had tirelessly advocated for clemency, but the Chinese government carried out the death sentence without responding to diplomatic requests.

China’s Foreign Ministry did not comment directly on Chan’s case but emphasized its commitment to cracking down on drug-related crimes.

According to its statement, China handles defendants of all nationalities “equally and fairly” under its laws and ensures their lawful rights and treatment.

The ministry further stressed that combating drug trafficking is a shared international responsibility.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between France and China regarding capital punishment and human rights.

France reiterated its opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances and urged for its universal abolition.

The case has drawn global attention, sparking debates over legal fairness and diplomatic intervention in cases involving foreign nationals.

Chan Thao Phoumy’s execution underscores the risks faced by expatriates and dual nationals in countries with strict anti-drug laws.

Observers note that the lack of transparency in the trial and final hearing raises questions about procedural justice and the treatment of foreign defendants in China.

The French government has vowed to continue pressing for stronger protections for its citizens abroad while advocating for international norms against capital punishment.