Any person found guilty of the murder of two Chinese students in Dublin a fortnight ago should be severely punished by law, the Chinese embassy said yesterday.
In a three-page statement on the double murder of Mr Yue Feng (19) and Ms Liu Quing (19), the embassy said five relatives of the students had arrived in Ireland and were briefed at the weekend by gardai.
The statement said that soon after the embassy was informed of the murders by the Garda, it immediately reported back to the relevant departments in China and asked the Garda to undertake a quick investigation.
"The position of the Chinese embassy on such a case has always been consistent and clearcut, namely, no matter whoever would be convicted or guilty, criminals should be severely punished by law," the statement said.
According to the embassy, five members of the families of the two students arrived in Dublin on Friday. They were met by two Chinese diplomats from the embassy who escorted them to a hotel in Dublin.
It said the mother of Mr Yue Feng received emergency medical treatment in hospital on her arrival "due to deep grief and fatigue".
The uncle of the other murder victim told The Irish Times in an interview last week that the mother of Ms Liu Quing also fell ill after hearing about the murders and was in hospital in China.
The other four relatives stayed in a hotel overnight and later moved to a friend's house in Dublin.
The embassy said volunteer interpreters were arranged for the families.
A briefing with gardai and a Chinese police officer, currently working with Interpol, was also arranged for them.
The statement said that many Chinese students and the Chinese community in Ireland were shocked at the brutal murder and had come forward to offer help.
"The embassy would like to take this opportunity to express its appreciation to those Chinese students as well as the Chinese community in Ireland."
The embassy also expressed its sincere thanks to the Garda for its help and efficient hard work, and to the Irish public for its concern, sympathy, help and co-operation. The staff of the embassy expressed their deep condolences to the bereaved families.
A 23-year-old Chinese man has been charged with the murders of the students. Their bodies were found in their apartment at Blackhall Square in Dublin on March 14th.