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China Executes British Drug Smuggler

Akmal Shaikh, said to be mentally ill, dies by firing squad

By Will McCahill, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 28, 2009 10:33 PM CST

(Newser) – Despite protests from the British government and human-rights activists worldwide, China today executed by firing squad a Briton convicted of smuggling drugs into the country. Supporters say Akmal Shaikh, 53, had bipolar disorder; the Foreign Office’s complaint centered on concerns China had not taken those issues into account in condemning him to death. Shaikh was caught with nearly 9 pounds of heroin, Chinese officials say, noting that possession of about 1.8 ounces is enough to incur the death penalty.

This undated handout photo shows Akmal Shaikh, executed in China today for drug smuggling. (AP Photo)

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Showing 3 of 16 comments

DontLikeYou___

Dec 30, 2009 12:51 PM CST

plstyle, how can you say such a thing? A human being has been put to death-- executed! What gives man the right to kill other men? There is no moral right to do so!!

plstyle

Dec 30, 2009 6:12 AM CST

Your right DLY, but we don't live in a world where Everyone (anyone??) governs their actions on what's moraly right or wrong. First, carrying 8.8 pounds of heroin anywhere isn't right; leave this country (or the UK) and think you can walk over someones else's rules and traditions? Well, my friend, id say your living on the edge. In this case, aged 53, this guy should of known better, living on the edge was his credo; we all know what can happen if you live life on the edge. If its wrong for China to govern the way they want, whats the alternative?

Reader68389796

Dec 30, 2009 4:05 AM CST

Move to China!

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China Executes British Drug Smuggler

Akmal Shaikh, said to be mentally ill, dies by firing squad

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China • death penalty • heroin • execution • mental illness • firing squad • drug smuggling • Akmal Shaikh

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Akmal Shaikh, said to be mentally ill, dies by firing squad

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • death penalty • heroin • execution • mental illness • firing squad • drug smuggling • Akmal Shaikh

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Somali Militants Execute Teens

The two boys were accused of molestation, spying, respectively

Victim's Family Aims to Block Killer's Execution

Kin: Slain lawyer 'didn't support death penalty'

China Secretly Executes Thousands Each Year—or More

Cattle rustling, vandalism capital offenses in China

China Says It Will Slash Executions

With 72% of the world's capital punishment, they've got a ways to go

China Gets 'Gold Medal' for Executions

World leader doesn't report thousands more, Amnesty says

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Newser By Users

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