Four Canadians were executed in China earlier this year for alleged drug-related crimes.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed the news on Wednesday.

She said China claimed they were killed for drug-related crimes, but she strongly condemned China’s actions. All four were dual citizens, she said.

She and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally intervened in the cases, she said.

“We made sure to press on China how much we needed to make sure that ultimately these Canadians would be safe,” said Joly.

Since the executions, she’s reached out to the families of the victims and said she could not reveal more information because they families asked for privacy.

She said Canada advocates for leniency every time a foreign country threatens the death penalty.