BEIJING—A Chinese court held an appeal hearing on May 9 for a Canadian who was sentenced to death for drug smuggling in a case that has deepened a diplomatic rift between the two countries.
The intermediate-level court in northeastern Liaoning Province said Robert Schellenberg’s sentence would be announced at an unspecified date.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned Schellenberg’s sentencing in January and accused China of “arbitrarily” applying the death penalty.
Schellenberg, who was arrested in 2014, has maintained his innocence.
More than 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of methamphetamine were seized as part of Schellenberg’s case, the court said. It called the 36-year-old Canadian the “principal offender” and said the evidence presented was “true and sufficient.”
Canadian Embassy officials were notified and Schellenberg’s litigation rights were lawfully protected during Thursday’s proceedings, the court added.
Schellenberg’s attorney Zhang Dongshuo said it was not clear when the court would announce a decision.
“Both sides comprehensively debated what each believes to be the issues in the case,” Zhang said, adding that at this stage he cannot assess what the final judgment will be.
Meng is accused of lying to banks about the company’s dealings with Iran in violation of U.S. trade sanctions.