TORONTO -- The sister of Michael Kovrig said the runup to his trial Monday in China has been a “scary, intense time,” though she still holds out hope that there could still be a separate resolution to his and fellow Canadian Michael Spavor’s detention.
The two men were detained in China in December 2018 on allegations of state spying, largely seen in the West as retaliation for the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver in connection with a U.S. extradition request. Canadian officials announced this past Wednesday that the trials for Spavor and Kovrig, a former diplomat, would take place Friday and Monday, respectively.
“We were prepared for the fact that and hoped for the fact that the verdicts would likely be delayed and there wouldn't be a conviction in the same day,” she said. “It sort of extends our chances, I suppose, of securing their freedom.” “We’re well aware that the trials are somewhat meaningless in the sense that these are innocent men and it doesn't really matter what they say or do, and if things carry on they'll be found guilty. So our hope is for a resolution before it gets to that,” she said.
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When nationalism is played in power countries, it excites people; when played in weaker countries, it merely adds a sense of helplessness and sadness.
Gauntanamo Bay Military Tribunals. Watch the DVD box set.