Trudeau criticizes China’s lack of transparency, after Michael Spavor’s closed-door trial

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The prime minister is criticizing the Chinese court process, following the first trial for one of the “two Michaels” detained in China for more than two years.

The brief trial for Michael Spavor prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to denounce the detentions of the two Canadians and the lack of transparency around the hearing.

Trudeau says China needs to understand this issue is bigger than just two Canadian citizens.

“It is about the respect for the rule of law and relationships with a broad range of western countries that is at play, with the arbitrary detention and the coercive diplomacy they have engaged in,” he said.

On Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor (who had his trial today) Prime Minister says their detention is completely unacceptable, as well as the lack of transparency #cdnpoli

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) March 19, 2021

Canadian officials and the public were denied entry to Spavor’s closed trial, which lasted just two hours and ended with no verdict.

Michael Kovrig’s trial begins Monday.

“Their arbitrary detention is completely unacceptable, as is the lack of transparency around these court proceedings,” Trudeau said.

“It’s happening in secret, without transparency, without access by Canadian consular officials,” he added.

The Chinese government claims state secrets are involved, which is why the trial is behind closed doors. The Chinese embassy in Canada has fired back, releasing a statement claiming it follows the rule of law, and accuses the Trudeau government of being arrogant and hypocritical.

Related articles:

• Michael Spavor trial in China ends with no verdict

• Expert on China politics, law says there’s still a chance two Michaels could be released

• B.C. judge says evidence in Meng case fit for trial, not extradition effort

The “two Michaels” were arrested on espionage charges in December 2018, in apparent retaliation for the detention of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou at Vancouver International Airport, on a U.S. extradition request.

Trudeau says securing freedom for the two men is a top priority.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to bring them home as soon as possible,” he said.

The trial coincides with a high-level summit in Alaska between Chinese and American officials.