URGENT ACTION

AKMAL SHAIKH HAS BEEN EXECUTED

Akmal Shaikh was put to death by lethal injection on 29 December, in a prison in Urumqi.

Akmal Shaikh's execution highlights the injustice and inhumanity of the death penalty, particularly as it is implemented in China. Much information about the death penalty is considered a state secret, but what is known of Akmal Shaikh's treatment is consistent with what is known from other cases: he received a short, almost perfunctory trial, where not all the evidence was presented and investigated.

Under international human rights law, and also Chinese law, a defendant's mental health can and should be taken into account; it seems that in this case the Chinese authorities did not do so.

No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.

This is the second update of UA 284/09. Further information: www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA17/069/2009/en

URGENT ACTION

AKMAL SHAIKH HAS BEEN EXECUTED

Further information on UA: 284/09 Index: ASA 17/001/2009 Issue Date: 04 January 2010