Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the legal proceedings for Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig showed a lack of transparency.
Trudeau expressed his eagerness to return both individuals safely back to Canada in a statement Wednesday morning, shortly after Spavor was handed an 11 year sentence for espionage charges by the Chinese court.
“For Mr. Spavor, as well as for Michael Kovrig who has also been arbitrarily detained, our top priority remains securing their immediate release,” stressed Trudeau. “We will continue working around the clock to bring them home as soon as possible. Our thoughts, and the thoughts of all Canadians, are with Mr. Spavor and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The Government of Canada continues to provide consular assistance to Mr. Spavor and his family as we work to secure his safe return.”
Spavor, along with fellow Canadian Michael Kovrig, have been detained in China since 2018.
“I want to thank Canada’s many partners, friends, and allies for their solidarity and support for the release of Mr. Spavor and Mr. Kovrig, and their opposition to the practice of arbitrary detention. We will not rest until they are safely brought home.”
The arrests are considered by some as retaliation after Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou was detained in Vancouver, and is currently facing fraud charges in the United States.
