Prime Minister Chretien made that clear in Hong Kong Saturday as he wrapped up the Team Canada trade mission. He said the federal government must abide by the law as laid down by the Supreme Court. The high court ruled this week that almost no one facing the death penalty should be extradited from Canada without assurances they won't be executed.
China still has the death penalty.
Chretien said he told Chinese authorities that because Lai's case is still before Canada's immigration authorities no decision has been made on his fate. Lai remains in custody in Vancouver, with his wife, Tsang Mingna. The pair, wanted in China in connection with a multi-billion dollar smuggling and corruption scheme, has applied for refugee status in Canada. Copyright 2001 by The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.