Canadian Detainee in China Accuses Fellow Prisoner of Espionage

Canadian Detainee in China Accuses Fellow Prisoner of Espionage

In a turn of events that has cast a fresh perspective on a high-profile diplomatic tussle, Michael Spavor, a Canadian detained in China, has publicly accused his fellow prisoner, Michael Kovrig, of espionage. Spavor alleges that Kovrig’s intelligence gathering activities led to their arrest by Chinese authorities, a claim that hints at a potential fracture in their relationship and raises questions about the role Kovrig played while in China.

Unveiling Espionage Accusations

According to Spavor, he was ensnared into providing intelligence on North Korea to Canada and its allied spy services. He alleges that this entrapment was orchestrated by Kovrig, a fellow Canadian prisoner. This accusation slants a new light on the prolonged incarceration of Spavor and Kovrig and brings Kovrig’s undertakings in China under scrutiny.

The Role of Global Affairs Canada

Confidential negotiations are currently underway between Toronto lawyer, John K Phillips, who represents Spavor, and Global Affairs Canada. These discussions are of significant importance as they could potentially impact the diplomatic relations between Canada and China, already strained due to the detention of the two Canadians.

Charges and Detention

Chinese prosecutors charged Spavor with spying for foreign entities and illegally procuring state secrets, while Kovrig was accused of illegally receiving state secrets and intelligence in collaboration with Spavor. The two Canadians were held in China for over 1,000 days, a situation that has been a fulcrum of diplomatic tensions. Their release in September 2021 came in the broader geopolitical context surrounding the arrest of Huawei CFO, Meng Wanzhou, and the ensuing negotiations among Canada, the U.S., and China.