Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his disappointment today upon recieving word that two Canadian citizens have been formally charged with spying by China.
At today’s press conference, the PM addressed the case of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. The charges are being seen as an increase in pressure on Canada by the Chinese aimed at getting the government to drop a US extradition request for a Huawei executive currently under house arrest here.
“Of course, (I’m) dissapointed with the decision and the next step taken by the Chinese in the case of the two Michaels,” said Trudeau, “We offer all our support and sympathies to the families of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor who are obviously living a difficult moment today as they have been for well over a year with the arbitrary detention of two Canadian citizens.”
Trudeau says work is ongoing behind the scenes on the case.
Kovrig is charged with spying for state secrets and intelligence, while Spavor is charged on suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets.
To watch today’s full PM Justin Trudeau address, see below.
https://www.cpac.ca/en/direct/cpac2/470929/pm-justin-trudeau-provides-update-on-federal-response-to-covid-19-56/