The trials of two Canadians detained in China since December 2018 and accused of espionage will begin in the coming days, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday (March 17th).
"Our embassy in Beijing has learned that hearings of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig are scheduled in the courts of the country on March 19 and March 22, respectively,"
Marc Garneau, head of Canadian diplomacy, said in a statement.
Read also: Meng Wanzhou, the "prisoner" who angered China and Canada
For Canada, supported by many Western countries, its two nationals are being held
"arbitrarily"
in retaliation for the arrest a few days earlier in Vancouver of Meng Wanzhou, a Huawei executive, at the request of the United States.
The daughter of the founder of the Chinese telecoms giant was arrested on December 1, 2018 at the request of the American justice, which accuses her of having circumvented American sanctions against Iran and wants to try her for bank fraud.
“The arbitrary detention of MM. Kovrig and Spavor is a top priority for our government, and we will continue to work tirelessly to secure their immediate release
,
”
said the Canadian minister.
The head of Canadian diplomacy denounces the
"lack of transparency"
on the part of the Chinese authorities and demands to be able to attend the appearances of the two men.
Read also: Huawei case: strong tensions between Canada and China
The arrest at the end of 2018 of former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and his compatriot Michael Spavor sparked an unprecedented diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and Beijing.
The announcement of the start of the trial of the two Canadians comes as the extradition process against Meng Wanzhou entered its final phase.
The last hearings before a Canadian decision are scheduled for next May.