China pledges no death to get back Canada fugitive

Beijing, Mar 14: China promised not to sentence accused smuggler Lai Changxing to death because this was essential to have him repatriated from Canada, the Xinhua news agency said, citing a Supreme Court spokesman.

Lai, who fled to Canada in 1999 after being accused of running a huge smuggling ring in the southern province of Fujian, has been battling extradition to China.

He has challenged a risk-assessment ruling by Canadian immigration officials that said he would not be subject to torture or execution if returned.

''We made the promise (not to sentence Lai to death) to seek his repatriation, and it is the only correct option to punish crimes and safeguard the interests of the nation,'' court spokesman Ni Shouming was quoted as saying yesterday.

Lai, who fled with his wife and children, is accused of running a multi-billion-dollar operation that bribed officials and police to avoid taxes and duties on goods ranging from oil to cigarettes that were smuggled into Fujian in the 1990s.

He denies any wrongdoing and says the allegations are politically motivated. He was denied refugee status in Canada.

China wants to bring him back to face charges of smuggling, bribery and tax evasion.

Ni said that China had two options: refusing to make any promise and giving up the efforts for Lai's repatriation, or making a promise to have him back.

''Such a promise has nothing to do with justice fairness,'' Ni was reported as saying.

Reuters

>