First details emerge of China’s spy claims against Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor
- According to a report in Chinese state media, Spavor had filmed secret Chinese military gear and sent the images to Kovrig, a fellow Canadian
- Ottawa renewed calls for both men to be released, after the Global Times reported that Spavor was a ‘key informant’ for Kovrig
Canada’s foreign ministry says it is “deeply troubled” by a lack of transparency surrounding the Chinese espionage cases against Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, after the first details of the allegations against the men emerged in state media.
A report in the English-language Global Times newspaper late Wednesday said that Spavor, who was convicted of espionage by a mainland court this year, took photos and videos of secret military equipment and sent them to fellow detainee Kovrig.
It offered the first details of the accusations against the two Canadians, including that they are alleged to have worked together.
Global Affairs Canada responded to the report with a statement on Thursday that said China had denied Canadian officials access to the men’s trial and any evidence against them.
“Canada has been clear from the beginning. The detentions of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig are arbitrary and we continue to call on China for their immediate release,” the statement said.
