10.35°C Vancouver

Mar 22, 2021 5:40 PM -

Beijing silent on Michael Kovrig's trial

Share On
beijing-silent-on-michael-kovrigs-trial
FILE - In this file image made from a March 28, 2018, video, Michael Kovrig, an adviser with the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based non-governmental organization, speaks during an interview in Hong Kong. (AP Photo/File)

There is silence out of Beijing on what happened to Canadian Michael Kovrig when he was put on trial on spying charges.

The day ended with no announcement about the status of the proceedings, which are being held behind closed doors.

Canadian Embassy officials were barred from the courthouse, as they were on Friday for the trial of Michael Spavor.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau says the government is deeply troubled by the total lack of transparency.

He also thanked diplomats from 26 countries who turned up at the courthouse to show their solidarity with Canada.

Marc Garneau on Twitter:

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, securing the safe return to Canada of Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor is my top priority.

We are deeply troubled by the lack of transparency surrounding the hearings and we continue to work to end their arbitrary detention.

Latest news

david-eby-wins-vancouver-point-grey-by-just-538-votes-dallas-brodie-finishes-last
BCOct 26, 2026

David Eby Wins Vancouver-Point Grey by Just 538 Votes; Dallas Brodie Finishes Last

Former British Columbia Premier David Eby won his Vancouver-Point Grey seat by a narrow margin of 538 votes in the latest provincial election. According to preliminary figures from Elections BC, Eby received 7,811 votes, compared with 7,273 votes for his Conservative rival, Alex McMillan. Eby has represented the riding since 2013. In the 2024 election, he defeated his Conservative opponent by approximately 4,900 votes. Meanwhile, Dallas Brodie, leader of the OneBC Party, received just 805 votes in Vancouver-Quilchena, finishing last in the riding. Conservative candidate Carson Binda won the se
punjab-cms-osd-rajbir-singh-ghuman-appears-before-cbi-again-in-alleged-corruption-case
IndiaOct 26, 2026

Punjab CM’s OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman Appears Before CBI Again in Alleged Corruption Case

Rajbir Singh Ghuman, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) attached to the Punjab Chief Minister’s camp office, appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at its zonal office in Chandigarh on Monday in connection with an alleged corruption case. Ghuman arrived at the office at around 2:30 p.m. and came out at approximately 7:30 p.m. after questioning. His legal representatives remained present outside the office during the proceedings. The CBI has summoned him again for questioning on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after the questioning, Ghuman said the CBI had asked him around 40 to
BCOct 26, 2026

B.C. Provincial Election Turnout Hits 30-Year Low at 48.14%

Voter turnout in British Columbia’s provincial election has dropped to its lowest level in at least 30 years. According to preliminary figures from Elections BC, only 48.14 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots this time, down from 53.86 per cent in the 2020 election held during the COVID-19 pandemic and 58.45 per cent in 2024. Experts believe the sharp decline may be linked to former Premier David Eby’s decision to call a snap election two years ahead of schedule, as well as the timing of municipal elections around the same period. According to the report, the B.C. NDP received
mark-carney-meets-premiers-and-first-nations-leaders-ahead-of-federal-budget
CanadaOct 26, 2026

Mark Carney Meets Premiers and First Nations Leaders Ahead of Federal Budget

Prime Minister Mark Carney held a high-level meeting with premiers and First Nations leaders in Ottawa today ahead of the upcoming federal budget, aiming to address obstacles and opposition that could delay major projects. During the meeting, Carney pledged greater support for Indigenous communities and promised to build stronger partnerships with them. It was the first time in two decades that federal, provincial and First Nations leaders had gathered at the same table for direct discussions on key national issues. Carney said his government would announce new measures for First Nations in th
BCOct 26, 2026

BC Greens Retain Two Seats Despite Increase in Vote Share

The BC Greens have retained two seats in the provincial election, despite an increase in their overall vote share. Preliminary results show the party received approximately 23,000 more votes than in 2024. However, it failed to increase its seat count beyond the two seats it held before the snap election. Party leader Emily Lowan won in Saanich North and the Islands, while Jeremy Valeriote was re-elected in West Vancouver–Sea to Sky. Speaking to the media, Lowan acknowledged that making the Green Party's voice heard in the legislature would be a major challenge. However, she said the party wo

Related News