UK hits out at execution

30 December 2009 - 02:00
By unknown

URUMQI - British prime minister Gordon Brown said yesterday he was appalled at China's execution of a Briton for smuggling heroin, prompting China to denounce British "accusations" and defend its court system.

URUMQI - British prime minister Gordon Brown said yesterday he was appalled at China's execution of a Briton for smuggling heroin, prompting China to denounce British "accusations" and defend its court system.

Relatives of Akmal Shaikh, 53, and the British government had appealed for clemency, arguing he suffered from bipolar disorder.

China's supreme court rejected the appeal, saying there was insufficient evidence of illness. - Reuters