Canadian's death sentence in China overturned and retrial ordered

China's Supreme People's Court has annulled the death sentence of Canadian Robert Schellenberg and ordered a new trial, and Global Affairs Canada said it is aware of the decision and will continue to provide consular services.

China's Supreme People's Court has annulled the death sentence of Canadian Robert Schellenberg and ordered a new trial. Schellenberg, from Abbotsford, British Columbia, was arrested in 2014 on drug smuggling charges. He was initially given a 15-year term and was later sentenced to death in a 2019 retrial. Canadian officials said they are aware of the decision and will continue to provide consular services to him and his family. Known details: - The Supreme People's Court vacated Schellenberg's death sentence and ordered a retrial. - Schellenberg was arrested in 2014 and was previously sentenced to 15 years before a 2019 retrial resulted in a death sentence. - Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is aware of the decision and said it will continue to provide consular services, citing privacy for further comment. - A family spokesperson described the news as welcome and expressed hope for continued good news from the retrial. Summary: The ruling overturns Schellenberg's death sentence and sends the case back for a retrial. Canadian officials said they will continue to provide consular services to him and his family. The timing of the retrial has not been reported and is undetermined at this time.