Prime Minister appeals for Kentish Town man to be spared death penalty in China

Downing Street has confirmed that Prime Minister Gordon Brown has spoken to the Chinese government over the fate of a Kentish Town man facing the death penalty.
Akmal Shaikh, 53, could be days away from execution after being convicted of drug smuggling in China. He lost an appeal at the Chinese Supreme Court on Monday. His family say he suffers from bipolar disorder and was framed by men who claimed they would help him launch a music career.
Human rights charity Reprieve have been supporting Mr Shaikh, who used to run the Teksi Taxi service in Fortess Road.
A Number 10 spokesman said today (Tuesday): "The Prime Minister has appealed to the Chinese government to show clemency."