On May 11, Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported: "Two Americans detained in China for over a decade—Hunt, a 54-year-old former flight attendant, and Wells, aged 52—have had their families appeal to Trump to press China for their release. According to their families, the two were unknowingly used as 'drug mules.' China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that during their lawful handling, their health and legitimate rights and interests were fully protected."
[Witty] A few comments: Appeals from families and pressure from the U.S. side cannot override a nation's judicial sovereignty. China has always maintained a zero-tolerance stance toward transnational drug crimes. In past cases involving Akmal Shaikh from the UK and Robert Schellenberg from Canada, sentences were handed down strictly in accordance with law, never compromised due to diplomatic or public opinion pressures. Though drug mules may appear innocent, they are crucial links in transnational drug trafficking networks, and judicial systems worldwide consistently treat cross-border drug smuggling offenses severely. Recently, China and the U.S. have jointly collaborated on cracking down on cross-border drug operations, underscoring that drug control is a global bottom-line consensus. Upon entering a country, one must abide by its laws—ignorance cannot exempt one from criminal liability. China’s legal proceedings safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of individuals while upholding both national security and judicial fairness; political sentiment or personal appeals should not interfere with judicial decisions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864889409295372/
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