Australian Man Sentenced to Death in China for Drug Smugglin
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2020 6:51 amAn Australian man has been sentenced to death in China for drug trafficking.
The Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court published a one-sentence statement on its website about the sentence, without providing details on charges.
It only said that the man was sentenced Wednesday and that all his personal property would be confiscated, the typical language from the communist country.
In its reaction, Australia's foreign ministry said, "we are deeply saddened to hear of the verdict made in his case," adding that Australia "opposes the death penalty, in all circumstances for all people."
Australian media identified the man as Cam Gillespie, saying he had been held in China for seven years.
Gillespie was arrested at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in December 2013, according to Chinese media. He was in possession of more than 7.5 kilograms of methamphetamines, found in his checked luggage.
China is Australia's largest trading partner and sends a large number of students to Australia, as well as tourists.