Skip to Main content

8.61°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Mar 19, 2021 3:33 PM -

Trial of Michael Spavor in China ends without verdict

Share On

trial-of-michael-spavor-in-china-ends-without-verdict

Michael Kovrig, left, and Michal Spavor are shown in these 2018 images taken from video. A state-owned publication in China says two Canadian men will "soon" receive their first trial after more than two years in detention. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP

A Chinese court says it will pronounce its sentence on detained Canadian entrepreneur Michael Spavor at a later date.

Spavor's trial on charges of spying and illegally sending state secrets abroad lasted just two hours today and was conducted behind closed doors.

Canadian consular officials were refused permission to attend.

Ten diplomats from eight countries, including the US, Britain and Australia, stood on the street opposite the courthouse in Dandong, China.

Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig is due to go on trial on Monday.

The detention of the ``two Michaels'' is seen as retribution for Canada's role in detaining a Chinese tech executive wanted by the U.S.

Experts see little hope for their release so long as Meng Wanzhou continues to face charges.

Latest news

snowfall-forecast-for-edmonton-after-sharp-temperature-drop

AlbertaApr 14, 2026

Snowfall forecast for Edmonton after sharp temperature drop

A sharp drop in temperature is expected to bring snowfall to Edmonton beginning Tuesday night, following unseasonably warm conditions earlier in the week. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, temperatures are forecast to fall by roughly 10 degrees from Monday’s high of 16 C, with daytime conditions Tuesday bringing periods of rain or a mix of rain and snow. The precipitation is expected to transition to heavier snowfall overnight into Wednesday, affecting a wide area from Hinton and Grand Cache east to Cold Lake and Lloydminster. Forecast estimates indicate 5 to 15 centimetres

italy-suspends-automatic-renewal-of-defence-agreements-with-israel-amid-middle-east-tensions

WorldApr 14, 2026

Italy suspends automatic renewal of defence agreements with Israel amid Middle East tensions

Italy has halted the automatic renewal of its defence agreements with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, citing ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the need to support diplomatic efforts. According to statements from the Italian government, the decision comes as conflict dynamics involving Iran and the United States continue to raise concerns about regional stability. Meloni said advancing peace talks remains a priority and stressed the importance of reopening key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. The Italian government said the suspension applies specifically to th

poilievre-criticizes-liberal-government-following-byelection-results-questions-legitimacy-of-majority

Poilievre criticizes Liberal government following byelection results, questions legitimacy of majority

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the federal Liberal government after recent byelection results, arguing its parliamentary majority does not reflect direct voter support. Speaking after the results, Poilievre said the Liberals’ position in the House of Commons was achieved through what he described as “backroom deals,” alleging that some Members of Parliament joined the government without a mandate from their constituents. He claimed those moves undermined voter trust, though he did not provide specific examples during his remarks. Poilievre also targeted Prime Minister Ma

ottawa-suspends-federal-fuel-excise-tax-until-labour-day-amid-rising-global-energy-prices

CanadaApr 14, 2026

Ottawa suspends federal fuel excise tax until Labour Day amid rising global energy prices

The federal government will suspend excise taxes on gasoline and diesel until Labour Day, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Tuesday, citing rising global energy costs linked to conflict in the Middle East. Speaking on Parliament Hill, Carney said the temporary measure will take effect Monday and is expected to reduce the price of regular gasoline by about 10 cents per litre and diesel by about four cents per litre. He described the move as a “responsible, temporary measure” aimed at easing cost pressures on households and businesses. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the tax r

AlbertaApr 14, 2026

Teen charged after stabbing at Edmonton high school leaves student injured

A 16-year-old boy is facing multiple charges after a stabbing at Jasper Place School in Edmonton that sent another student to hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to police. The Edmonton Police Service said the incident occurred Friday at the west-end high school. Police allege the accused confronted another 16-year-old boy over an earlier argument. Investigators say the victim was stabbed as he attempted to walk away. According to police, other students tried to restrain the suspect, who was able to flee the school. A school resource officer arrived shortly afterward and assiste

Related News

Ottawa suspends federal fuel excise tax until Labour Day amid rising global energy prices

Ottawa suspends federal fuel excise tax until Labour Day amid rising global energy prices

The federal government will suspend excise taxes on gasoline and diesel until Labour Day, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Tuesday, citing rising global energy costs linked to conflict in the Middle East. Speaking on Parliament Hill, Carney said the temporary measure will take effect Monday and is expected to reduce the price of regular gasoline by about 10 cents per litre and diesel by about four cents per litre. He described the move as a “responsible, temporary measure” aimed at easing cost pressures on households and businesses. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the tax r

Liberals secure majority after three byelection wins under Prime Minister Mark Carney

Liberals secure majority after three byelection wins under Prime Minister Mark Carney

The Liberal Party led by Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a majority government following victories in three federal byelections held Monday, according to preliminary election results. The party now holds 174 seats in the House of Commons, surpassing the 172 seats required for a majority. According to Elections Canada results, Liberal candidates won comfortably in the Ontario ridings of University–Rosedale and Scarborough South West, while narrowly capturing Terrebonne in Quebec by roughly 700 votes. This marks the first time in Canadian history that a governing party has moved from mi

NDP to table motion seeking federal ban on “surveillance pricing”

NDP to table motion seeking federal ban on “surveillance pricing”

The federal NDP is expected to introduce a motion Wednesday calling on the government to ban a practice it describes as “surveillance pricing,” arguing it unfairly targets consumers using personal data. According to the text of the motion, the practice involves companies using information such as a customer’s search history or the amount of time spent on a webpage to adjust prices, both online and in physical stores. The party says this can result in different consumers being charged different prices for the same product. NDP Leader Avi Lewis said the approach could disproportionately af

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital