Second Canadian, Michael Kovrig, goes on trial in China on spying charges with diplomats refused access
- Beijing trial of analyst and former diplomat follows hearing of compatriot Michael Spavor in northeastern China on Friday
- Detention of the pair is suspected retaliation for the arrest in Canada of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou
Canadian diplomats have been refused access to the trials and told hearings would be held behind closed doors because of alleged national security concerns. Diplomats and journalists have shown up nonetheless to seek information and show support.
Outside Beijing’s No 2 Intermediate Court, Jim Nickel, the Canadian embassy’s deputy chief of mission, said he had been told the trial had begun but was barred from entry in what he said was a violation of China’s international and bilateral treaty obligations.
“Michael Kovrig has been detained for more than two years now. He’s been arbitrarily detained and now we see that the court process itself is not transparent,” Nickel told reporters. “We’re very troubled by this but we thank those who have come out from the embassies here in Beijing and the international support that we’ve had for Michael, for Canada and the call that many of us are making for their immediate release.”
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Second Canadian, Michael Kovrig, on trial behind closed doors in China on spying charges
Nickel said 26 countries had sent representatives to show their support, including the United States, Britain, Australia and many European nations. It was not clear how long the trial would last or when a verdict would be announced.