It was the first official Canadian comment on Michael Kovrig’s status as a diplomat
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday accused China of ignoring a former Canadian envoy’s “diplomatic immunity” when it detained him last month along with a compatriot.
Michael Kovrig was arrested on December 10 in China, after taking a leave from his diplomatic posting to work for the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank.
China detained former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor last month, accusing them both of activities that “endanger China’s security” – a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage.
Their detentions are thought to be in retaliation for Canada’s arrest on a US request of Huawei Vice-President Meng Wanzhou – also known as Sabrina Meng and Cathy Meng – who is accused of bank fraud related to violating Iran sanctions.
Trudeau, speaking Friday during a press conference in Regina, said that Canada was operating under the “rule of law’’ in the Meng case, including granting her bail to allow her to be in her own home in Vancouver.
