Published 15:39 IST, June 20th 2020

Justin Trudeau 'very disappointed' as China charged 2 detained Canadians with espionage

On June 19, Chinese prosecutors have charged two Canadians detained in the country since 2018 for suspected espionage that can result in life imprisonment.

World News
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On June 19, Chinese prosecutors have charged two Canians detained in country since 2018 for suspected espion that can result in life imprisonment. Accordion to international media reports, Canian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that he is “very disappointed” with China’s move and has informed that Ottawa would keep mounting pressure on Beijing to release its two citizens.

Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in China towards end of 2018 on charges related to security just after Canian law enforcement officers detained Meng Wanzhou on American warrant and is chief financial officer in Chinese tech giant, Huawei. Asian superpower has repeatedly stated that detention of Canians is t related to Meng being in Cana’s custody. However, international media ncy has cited former diplomats and experts who have claimed that Kovrig and Spavor are being used to pressurize Cana.

According to reports, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian has said in a press briefing that charges on Canians are “of particularly serious circumstances which violated Article 111 of Criminal Law of People’s republic of China’ which are related to secret of state and espion. Zhao has also claimed that government has ‘solid and sufficient’ evidence to prove charges against Kovrig and Spavor. conviction of mentioned indictments carries at least ten to life imprisonment.

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'Top priority' for Canian govt

Canian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne released a statement on recent move by China on proceeding with formal charges on two detained Canians and said that Ottawa continues to call for ir release. Moreover, he ded that both Kovrig and Spavor are “a top priority for Government of Cana”. On behalf of entire government, Champagne said that “we are deeply concerned” that both Canians are being denied consular access since January.

Canian Foreign Minister said, “Cana continues to request immediate consular access to Mr Kovrig and Mr Spavor, in accordance with Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.”