Press Release: Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union regarding the recent executions of nine persons in Xinjiang

The European Union condemns the recent executions of nine persons in Xinjiang following the violent protests in Ürümqi on July 5-7, 2009. The EU respects China’s right to bring those responsible for violent action to justice but
reaffirms its longstanding opposition to the use of the death penalty under all circumstances. The EU also recalls that in case the death penalty is maintained, internationally recognised minimum standards must be respected. These include all possible safeguards to ensure a fair trial and adequate representation.