21.31°C Vancouver

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

b-c-considers-new-hydroelectric-project-on-peace-river-as-electricity-demand-projected-to-rise
BCJun 16, 2026

B.C. considers new hydroelectric project on Peace River as electricity demand projected to rise

The British Columbia government is considering a new hydroelectric project in the province as electricity demand is expected to increase significantly over the coming decades. According to BC Hydro projections, electricity demand in the province could rise by about 20 per cent by 2030 and roughly 50 per cent by 2050. The utility says the trend reflects long-term growth in population and electrification across the province. Energy Minister Adrian Dix said while presenting the plan that rising electricity demand is a positive indicator for the province’s economic outlook, adding it reflects on
punjab-government-plans-1-000-crore-additional-market-borrowing-in-june
IndiaJun 16, 2026

Punjab government plans ₹1,000 crore additional market borrowing in June

The Punjab government is preparing to borrow an additional ₹1,000 crore from the market in June during the 2026–27 financial year, according to information from the state’s finance department plan. With this proposed borrowing, the total market borrowing in the first three months of the financial year would rise to ₹6,300 crore. The government had earlier raised ₹2,800 crore in April and ₹2,500 crore in May. According to the borrowing plan, the ₹1,000 crore loan will have a tenure of seven years and is intended for capital expenditure, development projects, and the implementation
WorldJun 16, 2026

Oil Prices Fall as Markets Respond to Prospects of U.S.–Iran Peace Deal

Global crude oil prices continued to decline Tuesday as markets reacted to signs of easing tensions between the United States and Iran following the announcement of a temporary peace agreement. Market data showed Brent crude fell 2.4 per cent to US$81.15 per barrel, its lowest level since March 4. The decline follows a nearly five per cent drop on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries. According to market reports, investors are increasingly confident that oil supplies will remain stable as concerns over di
police-seek-two-suspects-in-calgary-vehicle-vandalism-investigation
AlbertaJun 16, 2026

Police seek two suspects in Calgary vehicle vandalism investigation

Calgary police are searching for two suspects following an incident in which three vehicles were vandalized last week in northeast Calgary. Investigators believe the incident may be connected to ongoing extortion-related activity targeting members of the city's South Asian community. According to the Calgary Police Service, the vandalism occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. on June 12 in the 300 block of Skyview Parkway N.E. Officers responded to reports that three vehicles had been damaged. The investigation remains ongoing. Police said the incident took place at the same location where an ext
carney-says-g7-can-no-longer-claim-sole-leadership-on-global-issues
CanadaJun 16, 2026

Carney says G7 can no longer claim sole leadership on global issues

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the Group of Seven can no longer claim exclusive leadership on major global issues, pointing to the growing influence of countries such as India and Brazil in shaping international policy and cooperation. Speaking at Trinity College Dublin during a visit to Ireland, Carney said the participation of non-G7 countries reflects a changing global order in which emerging and middle-power nations play an increasingly important role in addressing international challenges. According to Carney, broader engagement with countries outside the traditional G7 framework can hel

Related News