Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Inquest plea from executed Briton's family

Liam Creedon,Press Association
Monday 04 January 2010 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The family of executed Briton Akmal Shaikh today called for the Government to order an immediate inquest into his death in China.

Mr Shaikh, 53, was convicted of heroin smuggling in China and executed by lethal injection last week despite pleas for clemency from human rights campaigners and the Government.

His family have today written to Foreign Secretary David Miliband urging him to call for an inquest to be held into his death.

Mr Shaikh's brother Akbar, wrote: "My family is suffering incredible grief and torment over the many unanswered questions surrounding Akmal's death.

"We have begged the Chinese for answers but none have been forthcoming.

"All this uncertainty is just too much for the family to bear.

"We therefore implore you to direct a coroner's inquest so that some of our questions can be answered, and the terrible mysteries surrounding my brother's apparent death, 7000 miles from his family and all alone, can be resolved for us."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in