An icy lack of clemency

Of course, China had the right to execute Akmal Shaikh, under its own judicial system - but it did not need to exercise that right. It was clear that Mr Shaikh was mentally ill but the Chinese, who held him for two years, displayed a flagrant disregard for his mental health. They refused to let him undergo a mental check before executing him. This is utterly unforgivable - especially from a new superpower.

Perhaps there is a feeling that the Chinese authorities refused to show clemency because they wanted to seem strong in the face of international condemnation. They wanted to show that they would stand by their judicial system and not appease interational diplomatic pressure. There is a strong sense that in this case, the authorities were not directly considering the case at hand, but making an audacious statement that China will not bow to international pressure.

However, regardless of this case, there is a serious need for reform in China. Even if they do not acknowledge that Mr Shaikh's human rights were flagrantly disregarded, they cannot hide from their abominable human rights record.