What are the alleged spying charges against Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor?

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China has formally charged Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor with foreign espionage and providing state secrets.

China has initiated prosecution against two Canadian nationals, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, on charges of foreign espionage and the provision of state secrets. These formal accusations were made public more than 18 months after their initial detention, which occurred shortly after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada. The charges against Kovrig and Spavor follow a period of significant diplomatic tension and damage to trade relations between Canada and China.
Accusations of Espionage and State Secrets

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced that both Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a businessman, are suspected of foreign espionage and of providing state secrets. These allegations form the basis of the formal charges now being pursued by Chinese authorities. The announcement of these charges came just weeks after a Canadian judge ruled that the extradition proceedings for Meng Wanzhou to the United States would proceed.
Background of Detentions and Retaliation Concerns

The arrests of Kovrig and Spavor occurred nine days after Meng Wanzhou was taken into custody in Vancouver on a US warrant. This timing has led to widespread belief that their detention was a retaliatory measure by China in response to Meng's arrest. The situation has severely strained diplomatic ties between Canada and China, leading to retaliatory actions such as China blocking significant Canadian agricultural exports.
Conditions and Trial Expectations

While Meng Wanzhou has been out on bail in Vancouver, Kovrig and Spavor have remained in China's detention system. Reports indicate that since the COVID-19 outbreak, monthly consular visits for the two Canadians have been suspended. Information from individuals familiar with the matter suggests that Kovrig and Spavor have undergone extensive interrogation, with accounts of them being forced to sleep with lights on during their initial detention period. Legal experts anticipate that their trials may be conducted in secrecy, with official lawyers appointed to represent them.

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What are the alleged spying charges against Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor?

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