EXTRA: Britain condemns execution of drug smuggler in China

London - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Tuesday he was "appalled and disappointed" by China's decision to execute a British citizen for drug smuggling. Akmal Shaik, 53, from London, was executed despite a last-minute plea by the British government early Tuesday. His family said he was suffering from a mental illness.

"I condemn the execution of Akmal Shaikh in the strongest terms, and am appalled and disappointed that our persistent requests for clemency have not been granted. I am particularly concerned that no mental health assessment was undertaken," Brown said in a statement released in London.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband also condemned the execution. He said Britain was "completely opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances."

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/301310,extra-britain-condemns-execution-of-drug-smuggler-in-china.html.